Opinions - favorite type of grape wine

[beentheredonethatagain]

lately I have been switching from drinking a ton of beer to drinking wine in moderation, I enjoy a fruity , semi dry wine, like chardonay.

I know only very little about wine, as now i am learning some of the names and how they taste.

Friends please help beenthere out by tell me about the kind of wines that go well with a left handed smoke.

thanks all

[Jatelka]

Well, it seems you like Chardonnay (don't worry, everyone starts somewhere ): So I'll suggest some whites

Sauvignon Blanc is a wonderful grape: From the New World (New Zealand and the like) it can produce a gorgeous number, redolent of Tropical Fruit (think lychees), or, it can produce a much greener, "gooseberry" effect.

Given that you like semi-dry, then you couldn't go far wrong with a Reisling. They can also provide a Tropical Fruit effect, withan enormous depth of flavour, or they can be lighter, and almost spicy: Great with Thai food. They also tend to be lighter on the alcohol (generally between 9 and 12%)

Pinot Grigio (called Pinot Gris in the New World) is crisper, drier, and a good general glugging wine, although can lack depth and flavour

Before I stopped drinking, I was seriously (too seriously) getting into Albarino, a spanish grape that produces apricot and honeysuckle aromas. Fruity, but with a light floral finish

Hope this gives some food for thought

Reputation Comments on this post:

very interesting , will def have some choices when at the liquor dept. cant wait try them.

[sweettea]

Some more whites...I rather enjoy a good Frascati, when I can get it. Maybe also try a Rhone varietal, Roussanne.

Interested in trying some reds? Gamay Noir is a good start for a white wine drinker, methinks. Any trouble with tannins drying out the mouth? French Cabernet Sauvignon, a Cabernet Franc from say, Saumur-Champigny, Chinon or Bourgueil, are usually lighter in color and have less tannins than some of their the California cousins.

As for a really nice tangent, in my humble opinion -- port wine (big alcohol jump though). Typically it is on the sweet side of red, but also comes in dry, semi-dry and white varieties. A tawny age port or when affordable, a vintage port, and a really good cigar, can't really beat the combination.