Kate

On the thirst issue, it's perfectly acceptable to also order water with your wine - even if you're not eating (obviously in a seprate glass!). I often do this as it also helps that red wine hangover

Bitter

Degas: I think it is your technique that is the problem. Sipping is over-rated. Wine is a great "shooter" and shot glasses will fit in any day pack.

Degas

Bitter, you may be on to something. I was having a hard time figuring out how to hold my pinkie finger correctly when I was sipping wine. I didn't want those arrogant waiters to be confused about what "team" I was on.

Giovanna

"By "stronger", I mean it's more tart, bitter - well, stronger. French wines tend to be gentler and more mellow. Less punch, more smoothness. You'll know what I'm talking about if you try a French wine and then an American wine."

Jason: Wash your mouth out with a good California vintage and then say you're sorry!

I am enjoying Degas' education in the "fermented grape."

Smilingstill

Degas, may I suggest a book, very readavle and a complete reference on wines - Kevin Zraly's Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2003 - available from Amazon.com for $17.47.

This guide features every region and country which are major wine producers. It's based on Zraly's famous wine introduction course in the WTC many years ago. With this reference on your shelf, you'll be able to answer your own questions, and at your leasure, try various wines from around the world.

May I offer just a word of warning: you can only truly learn about wines by drinking them. Stay open and adventurous - and don't rule out any based on a comment or another's preferences. Wines are highly personal, and can add a wonderful dimension to your life. Food of course enters a new dimension alongside the wines when you consider them together, as you will wish to do.

Enjoy and welcome to the wonderful world of wines!!

RonZ

Wait a minute here...

In an earlier post Degas said he was like James Bond with cat-like moves.

This urge for suggary soft drinks would seem to be a contradiction.

Might I detect a split personality?

Smilingstill

Sorry, but James always specified claret - just how much knowledge would that indicate? That's like your walking in and ordering Bordeaux. Really doens't suggest much experience or insight. James always seemed more focused on not brusiing the gin. I think Degas' personality is intact.

aj

Degas,

I had to laugh when you said Lambrusco! Hubby and I also like Lambrusco but don't try ordering it in Rome! We tried, and were told by "proper" waiters that Lambrusco was NOT A WINE!! I guess we just don't have a cultured tast for wine. Any way, we just asked the waiter to suggest a wine with dinner and went with that. Have fun.

jason888

Giovanna: me, too! I'm enjoying this thread immensely too!

But, Giovanna, I LIVE in California and I've probably visited more Californian vineyards than you have! (hic!)

In the last week, I've had a range of Californian wines, including some "two-buck chuck" and a very nice Grgich Hills Zinfandel.

The best wine, however, for this last week was a Chianti from Siena. So, I would still stand by my statement that I think American wines are more "tannin-y", harsh, strong, whatever, than European wines.

Degas: You probably have more than enough advice to work with from here on out!

I'm not a wine expert, just a wine sampler, but it's my remembrance that you will find more "sweet" white wines than "sweet" red wines. The sweet red wines tend to be dessert wines. You are correct, a number of the German white wines are quite sweet - like a Gewurtztraminer. But I, personally, can't recall any red wine that sweet. Maybe someone can.

And please do follow Scarlett's example of drinking with your meals! We wouldn't want you wobbling around and crashing into Mrs. Degas after several "samplings" on an empty stomach! Lo!

Sounds like you are embarking on a fun "journey" of wine tasting!

Jason

Giovanna

Jason: Sincerely doubt you have been to more wineries in California than we have, but that is neither here nor there. The fact remains outstanding wines are produced all over the state (not just in the Napa/Sonoma region) and are winning approval worldwide. You, of course, have a right to your opinion, and I, of course, have my right to disagree.

But we miss the point--Degas must be converted from that awful brown drink to that most wonderful beverage, WINE!

allovereurope

To help combat red -wine hangover (or even worse, the all night headache that leaves you unable to sleep) I would limit it to 2 glasses; if you have more than that in one day (and you're not used to red wine) then take an aspirin or advil before you go to bed, because you will be in wicked pain.

cd

Degas
I second Beaujolais, it is a soft, not dry wine and you will like it. I also recommend a German Reisling which is white but wonderful!

cd

Oh, I just a previous post. How could I forget my favorite. A Gewurtztraminer! Again, white, but the best!

Smilingstill

... lol, as long as we're now suggesting specific wines and regions, lets not overlook the vintage 2000 Bordeaux reds, whether classified or unclassified, or from he haut medoc or medoc appellations. The 2000s are considered the best in 100 years. The whites are very nice as well. And for year in and year out whites and reds of terrific value and quality, keep the Loire in mind. Never forget the Tuscan and Veneto wines - Italy has made superb progress in refining and updating their wines, in many areas of the country. Here, with super Tuscans and chiantis, plus regular reds, 1997 is the best year in decades, and perhaps in recorded Italian history.

Degas, come on over this weekend and lets pop a few corks!!! Time to get started!! You are in store for a fun trip.

zootsi

I think the biggest problem is that your taste buds have been trained to expect a lot of sweetness in a drink thru years of cola drinking. How much sugar is in a Coke - I shudder just thinking about it! It will take time to re -tune your taste buds to any non sweet beverage. I wouldn't even consider a sweet wine with dinner. As for dinner wines, German whites are probably the easiest to handle for a sweet tooth, followed by Lambruscos and rose. Actually Roman house red is a hearty but not too dry wine that can be very easy to get used to. Try and wean yourself away from the soda pop ASAP. Also drink lots of water with your dinner - don't make the wine your only beverage.

cigalechanta

rememer that beaujolais is not just nouveau or village. The better Beaujolais are light, dry, fruity with an earthy bouquet. Best to drink when young. The principal one are first my favorite, Brouilly and Saint-Amour, then Juliienas, Fleurie, Chiroubles, morgan, cote de brouilly,and Moulin-A-Vent.

jsmith

First, spend a few dollars and buy "The Wall Street Journal Guide to Wine: New and Improved" by Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher. Their column appears every Friday in the Journal (today's is inexpensive zinfandels) and they are two of the most delightful and unpretentious people you can hope to read. We would all be blessed to have a marriage assatisfying as they.

Second, cultivate the most knowledgeable clerk in your local wine emporium. Tell him what you think you want in a wine. Start with his suggestion, give him feedback and go on to his next suggestion.

NYCFoodSnob

I certainly don't know the true Degas but if one can judge another by writing style, travel advice (or lack of), type of humor, and the things one says, I suspect Degas and I will not be dining together anytime soon. I can only hope Degas really is "James Bond" (or at least looks like Sean Connery) and will reveal himself someday to be a smart, handsome, cultured, sophisticated gentleman-of-the-world who happens to enjoy riding a Harley with VO5 in his hair. Then I will kick back and have one hearty laugh.

I am a wine enthusiast (not snob) and I firmly believe the enjoyment of this not so simple pleasure should be pursued and cultivated by everyone, regardless of annual income, status in society, or fear of hang-overs or headaches. (My sincerest sympathy to those with allergies or memberships to AA.)

Much like everything else in life, a certain commitment is required in pursuing an education in wine. But, once you make the commitment, I can guarantee your life, your friendships, and your dining experiences will never be the same.

On behalf of Degas and others, I'd like to thank Smilingstill and jsmith for their sincere and smart contributions to this thread. I'd be happy to share my table with both of you.

If anyone is coming to NYC and has an interest in Italian wine, I can't encourage you enough to visit The Italian Wine Merchants (http://www.italianwinemerchant.com/) on East 16th Street. This is one hidden piece of heaven in Manhattan. If they are offering a tasting event ($75) during your visit, don't hesitate to sign up for it. You will have one wonderful evening of great knowledge and pure pleasure. Their newsletter is a must have. At the very least, get on their mailing list.

jsmith

These might be difficult wines to find in France and Italy (their loss) but New Zealand produces some great wines, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir; Australia with Semillon; Malbec from Argentina; Carmenere from Chile.

Vinho Verde from Portugal is just plain fun sipping alone on the deck or with grilled seafood. Spanish Rose is a treat with roast chicken.

Most of these you should find in the US between $7 and $10 a bottle except for the NZs which are between $10 and $20.

Smilingstill

... ah, NYCFS, you are a dear - and I'd be honored to sit at your table. This weekend, in your honor, PCHSmiles and I shall open a '95 St. Estephe we've been saving (1995 was a decent year but it's time to drink up!). The it will be my 1997 Pomerols and St. Emilions. Then into the 2000s (gasp, I've already drunk almost three cases of the 2000s ... you can imbibe now or keep for 6-8 years).

Have a wonderful weekend, and take care. Enjoy life, as I know you will.