Merlot 101 - For the wine drinkers?

For the wine drinkers?

Can anyone suggest good RED wine? Not really into Merlots,it's a bit dry but something more than Zinfandel.

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If you can get your hands on a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau give that a go. It's inexpensive, should be around $10 a bottle, and it's sweeter than Merlot but not too sweet. It's seasonal so it only comes out once a year, usually around late October or November. I saw some in the grocery store this week, though, so you should be able to find it.
taste is individual. i like burgundy . id suggest going to your local shop, and looking and sampling to find your own faves
Try Pinot Noir. It's a bit pricier and not quite as dry as Merlot. Shiraz may suit you too. A nice Rose is sweeter and enjoyable too. Consider an Italian Chianti Other opinions on tastes: Some red grapes Cabernet Franc: tobacco, green bell pepper, raspberry, new-mown grass. Cabernet Sauvignon: blackcurrants, chocolate, tobacco. Gamay: pomegranate, strawberry, red fruits. Grenache: smoky, pepper, raspberry Malbec: violet, fruit Merlot: black cherry, plums, tomato. Mourvèdre: thyme, clove, cinnamon, black pepper, violet, blackberry. Nebbiolo: leather, tar, stewed prunes, chocolate, liquorice, roses. Norton: red fruit, elderberries. Petite Sirah (Durif): earthy, black pepper, dark fruits. Petit Verdot: violets (later) Pinot Noir: raspberry, cherry, violets, "farmyard" (with age), truffles. Pinotage: bramble fruits. Sangiovese: herbs, black cherry, leathery, earthy. Syrah (Shiraz): tobacco, black pepper, blackberry, smoke. Tempranillo: vanilla, strawberry, tobacco. Teroldego: spices, chocolate, red Fruits Zinfandel: black cherry, pepper, mixed spices, mint.
You sound ready for a good Cabernet. If you can't handle the dry, then a Gamay or a good California Zinfandel Port (I prefer Deaver) would be in the mix, especially after dinner.
I love a good sangiovese. Similar to Chianti from Italy. Silverado Vineyards and Luna Vineyards, both in Napa Valley make excellent ones. Very food friendly. Not as bland as a merlot, but not as hearty as a zin.
I love Syrah (Shiraz), not all big and tannic and perfect with or without food. Some good ones: Darioush Failla "Phoenix Ranch" Lolonis "Orpheus" any Penfolds Robert Pecota Taltarni "Cephas" ~happy drinking~
You might want to try a Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is a smooth silky wine that is extremely fruity. It is characterized with aromas and flavors of black cherry or rose petals along with hints of spiciness or herbal qualities. Pinot Noirs are enjoyed for their soft velvety texture. High in alcohol, they are full bodied but not heavy. Pinot Noir is best served with grilled salmon, roast beef, lamb, duck, and mushrooms. Some of my favorites are: Acacia 2005 Carneros Pinot Noir ($29) Cambria 2005 Julia's Pinot Noir ($22) Longoria 2004 Fe Ciega Vineyard Pinot Noir ($34)
Cabernet Souvenoign