German Reds

On this trip to the wine store I went directly to the Germany section. There I found myself stuck between two wines Red Vin Sweet Red ($8.99) and Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler Dornfelder Red 2010 ($11.99). I hemmed and hawed, walked the aisles, did everything except ask someone who worked there. I did stand there while one of the employees helped a couple, but walked off before he could look my direction.

I read the descriptions:
Red Vin Sweet-Rheinhessen Germany-Made from the native Dornfelder grape, this sweet red combines silky tannins with flavors of raspberry and plum with a pleasant sweet finish. Pair with cheese, spicy Asain cuisine, or just by itself.
Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler Dornfelder Red- Pfalz Germany- A delightfully fruity red wine with a hint of sweetness. The intense fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry have a surprisingly full bodied finish.

How did I decide?

1. I didn't want something too sweet
   
2. I remembered a chat a had with an old friend. He sent me an article about cheap wines and said, "I'm of the mindset that you find a small store that has a small collection of $10-$20 bottles and go crazy there.

I decided on the Dr. H-B.  I liked it.  The description was pretty accurate, slightly sweet not syrupy.  My drinking buddy, not so much of a fan.  He took one sip and made a yucky face and dumped his glass down the drain.  Will I finish the bottle?  Yup, it's not that bad!  Will I recommend it?  Yeah, to someone who is looking for a not so sweet, inexpensive bottle of red.  Will I buy it again?  Probably not.  It's a screw top and maybe that should have made me think twice, but I didn't want to be prejudice against screw tops. =)

Decoding Sparklers

  I read an article today that I thought I should share.  It contained a cheat sheet on decoding sparkling wine.  This is a must have for the new wine drinker.  I know this is late for the biggest day of all for drinking sparkling wine.  But look at is this way, you have an entire year to perfect your knowledge and pick something amazing for your family and friends next year!

At first blush

  I went to my local wine shop and explained my wine experience or lack thereof and was taken to the sweet reds section. There I picked up an inexpensive bottle ($11.99) of table red, Rivata Casa Rossa

and I grabbed a french wine that a friend recommended, Beaujolais Nouveau 2011 ($9.99).

I actually liked Rivata Casa Rossa. It was pretty sweet, a little too sweet for me.  But if you are looking for an inexpensive table red for a mixed group I think it will do.  My friends liked it too.  I was with a group of people that don't normally drink wine, so I can understand why something sweeter went over so well.  I was not a fan of the Beaujolais Nouveau. It was a little flat...I'm not sure if that is the proper adjective to describe it.  All of the descriptions I read said it was a sweet wine.  I didn't find it to be sweet at all.  Maybe I had something a little too sweet prior to drinking this.  I may have to give it a second try.

  After telling my friend about my not so fond feelings about the Beaujolais, she suggested I try some German reds. I went back to my local wine shop and purchased Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler Red 2010, I'll let you know about this in the future.