Merlot 101

Does anyone have any good wine recommendations?

I am not an avid wine drinker because I find most wine to be too dry or bitter. Does anyone have any good wine recommendations? I'm looking for a wine (either red or white) that is fresh, light, sweet or fruity. I don't like wines like merlot. Any suggestions? Thanks for your recommendations! I prefer bottles under $20, if possible but I'm not sure if I can get a good bottle for that price.

Public Comments

1. Go buy and try some Rielsing wine. Those are generally lighter and carries a sweet end in taste.
2. Pinot Noir for Red (notes of cherry) and Sauvignon Blanc (Citrus or grapefruit Notes, sometimes Kiwi) for the white. I would recommend some brands but I am not sure of your price range. German Riesling is not light and not fruity, its viscous and has a high sugar content, it can range from semi dry to dessert sweet. There are excellent Rieslings that are not too sweet, but the average Riesling in a supermarket is sugary sweet not fresh. If you insist on trying a Riesling Navarro Vinyards makes an excellent one.
3. Try the Chinese (or Japan) plam wine:)
4. Your best bet, given your criteria, is German Riesling. You should go for Rieslings in the QbA category, most of which should be below $20. Among the wines I've enjoyed in recent years are: Dönnhoff Riesling QbA (Dönnhoff is a fantastic producer, if you like their basic bottling, you can move on to the higher levels like Kabinett, Spätlese, and Auslese) Leitz Dragonstone Riesling QbA Dr. Loosen "Dr. L" Riesling QbA Best of all, these are very food-friendly wines, which match well with a variety of foods, from your basic cheese and bread, to spicy curries.
5. Riesling, Chenin Blanc, anything sparkling (Asti, Brut Champagne or sparkling white). I'd avoid Chardonnay without trying it first, same with Pinot Grigio. Look for German-style whites, especially: Gewurztraminer is good. TONS of great wines under $20. Your best bet is to go to a wine tasting or visit a vineyard if you can. Check for local wine tastings at liquor stores, they'll let you try several for free or very low cost and you won't get stuck with a bottle you hate. Usually they're sponsored by distributors trying to move new wines or sell more wines, so the stores are going to do whatever they can to find you a bottle you'll like and possibly buy from them repeatedly.