Some Buying Choices
for Novice Wine Drinkers
White:
1. German Kabinetts that say Terry Theise on the label (look at the back label on the bottle for the importer). Most of them will be rieslings and they pair well with spicy foods, fish, and chicken. They don't pair well with garlic or heavy meat dishes, like stews, BBQ steak/lamb. Great with lobster.
2. Sancerre blancs and New Zealand sauvignon blancs. Both are ideal for shellfish and lighter seafood (i.e, not hearty salmon). Some Russian River Valley and Mendocino sauvignon blancs work well, too.
Sparkling:
Italian Proseccos are the best consistent bargain in sparkling wine.
Rosé:
Try French ones from the good importers. They go great with most luncheon food.
Red:
1. Côte-du-Rhones: Primarily made from Grenache, these wines are inexpensive and very food friendly.
2. Spanish reds: The inexpensive ones imported by both Jorge Ordonez and Eric Solomon are, generally, terrific values and very food friendly.