Table wines! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Zerohour3k · #1 12-21-2006, 07:47 AM

Okay, here's a question / discussion topic, which I'm sure quite a few of us would love to discuss.

The holiday is nearly upon us, and I'll be joining some family for dinner (as I do every year, just about). We're a family that sticks to mostly traditions of the italian nature. Every year, we make homemade pasta or raviloi (along with the ham, and usual holiday foods), antipasto, etc. While the usual "standard" table wine served is typically a Sangria (usually a cheapo bottle of Yago), I really do want to try and "break the mold" this year.

I already bought a bottle of Mirrasau (sp.) Riesling, since that would probably be a great wine to hold up to the heavily sauced dishes..as well as a bottle of Mead (just for the sheer novelty, plus I enjoy it). Anybody have some wine reccomendations?

hdexpert · #2 12-21-2006, 08:07 AM

If you like a good light Chardoney you will have a hard time beating the value of Lindemans Bin65 from Australia. It retails between $5.99-$7.99 and is also one of the best tasting chards I've had!!!

Robert Mowbray · #3 12-21-2006, 08:10 AM

IMHO, a Reisling is too sweet for a pasta dish. Served chilled, they are great with light cheese, crackers, and fresh fruit, but your best bet for a RED sause pasta dish is a Sangiovese or Chianti type wine. I recommend Falesco Vitiano. It is a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It's inexpensive enough to buy a few bottles and goes very well with pasta. Have a GREAT Holiday. BOB

jlomon · #4 12-21-2006, 09:50 AM

Robert's got it bang-on. The Riesling isn't strong enough to stand up to the acidity of a tomato sauce. If you were doing a traditional turkey with stuffing, then it would be a very good pairing. It also works well with pork dishes.

Something rustic and Italian, such as the Sangiovese, Chianti or perhaps a Montepulciano would work. But it needs to have some heft to it in order to stand up to pasta sauce.

Zerohour3k · #5 12-21-2006, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlomon

Robert's got it bang-on. The Riesling isn't strong enough to stand up to the acidity of a tomato sauce. If you were doing a traditional turkey with stuffing, then it would be a very good pairing. It also works well with pork dishes.

Something rustic and Italian, such as the Sangiovese, Chianti or perhaps a Montepulciano would work. But it needs to have some heft to it in order to stand up to pasta sauce.

True, true. I was thinking of using the Riesling as a after-dinner wine, when artichokes are served. Maybe even during the antipasto. But I can definately see your point, that it wouldn't stand up to the pasta sauce, or the heavy flavors of the ham. Guess I'll have to get a bottle of Chianti or three for the main course. Thanks, guys!

#6 12-21-2006, 11:28 AM

Cost Plus World Market has a good one - their "HOUSE WINE" is a delicious red that's not very expensive, maybe $12 per bottle and worth close to double that. Very versatile.

For a bit of a curve-ball if there will be any red meats, etc. served then I'd look for a good Malbec (Argentina) in the $15 or so range. PM me if you want more specifics.

Tough to beat Cost Plus's "House Wine" label though. It is from "K" in Washington (state) and is consumed by the case in our household - big hit at parties/open houses.

Hatterasguy · #7 12-21-2006, 12:20 PM

I have a couple awesome bottles of white wine that were given to me by a customer. Made in Napa valley at his personal winery. It is an excellent wine!

Unless you are really into wines there is no reason to spend a lot on a bottle. $50 or less, most of the time a lot less. Only the people that are really into wines are going to be able to appreciate the difference, I most certainly am not one of those.

John Doe · #8 12-21-2006, 12:23 PM

This thread could get worse than an oil thread. Get a copy of Wine Spectators "100 Best under $10" and make your own decision.

John Doe · #9 12-21-2006, 12:26 PM

Anyone else think afroman bears a striking similarity to spock/bard/tank?

suginami · #10 12-21-2006, 01:30 PM

In my opinion, Chardonnay is for girls.

I'm a big fan of Riesling, but if you buy a good bottle, it is not a sweet wine.

I'm afraid Blue Nun ruined the Riesling market in this country.

The good Riesling's still come from Germany, and they are dry and solid.

I would drink a good Riesling with a holiday meal, perferably turkey, although I'd probably stick with a good French Burgundy or California Pinot Noir. I used to drink a lot of Merlot, but they have been ruind by Robert Parker, who likes really strong, heavy, Tannin-rich wines. The average bottle of Merlot these days is as heavy as a bottle of Cabernet.

In fact, I find the average bottle of Cabernet now tastes like turpentine.

suginami · #11 12-21-2006, 01:32 PM

In my humble opinion, I think the sweet spot for wines is in the $15 - $20 range.

Any bottle at $10 and under is better suited as an everyday table wine.

And the $5 difference between the $10 wine crowd and the $15 - $20 wine is enourmous.

For a special holiday meal, I'd pony up with the extra $5 - $10.

#12 12-21-2006, 02:19 PM

Serious wine drinkers laugh at us ding dongs for spending more than $20 on a bottle of wine. Last week wifey did not have any wine for dinner so I dug out a bottle of 1995 Opus that she enjoyed for a few days.

Personally I don't think it was much better than the $10 stuff.

waybomb · #13 12-21-2006, 07:51 PM

"Cheap Red Wine" and "Cheap White Wine" really ain't too bad. Less that 10 bucks a bottle. It will please most people. But the bottles have the old fashioned generic-type labels. Makes for good conversation.

But I had some 1990 Valpolicella a few weeks ago. Can't remember the vineyard name. I had a glass, and then another. I complimented my host and asked where he bought it, because I intended to buy a case or two. It was that good. My host bought every bottle available. Something like 100 bucks a bottle. I don't know that I'd spend that much ever on a bottle of wine. But it was definitely special.