Choose The Right Wine For Any Occasion

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INTRODUCTION

Restaurant or Retail:

If you're in a restaurant, go to the inexpensive or mid-range price guide below. If you're shopping retail, read on and then go to the guide.

Large Store or Small Store:

First, you need to decide what type of store to go to. Ideally, you want to go to either a large store (with knowledgeable staff) or a small shop (with knowledgeable staff). The large store should offer excellent selection, but the little shop may be very attentive to your particular needs and offer good advice.

Choosing a Good Wine for ANY Occasion:

If you're looking for wine for yourself, want to try something new and want to increase the odds of finding a bottle you'll like, just follow these simple directions. Start by asking these questions.

1. How much do I want to spend?

2. Do I want red or white, and which varietals do I already know I like?

3. Is it to be served with food or to be consumed by itself?

Based on your price range and color preference, go to the charts below. More about matching with food later...

CONSISTENTLY GOOD RED WINE - INEXPENSIVE:

Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Rita, CHILE
Cotes Du Rhone-Villages, Louis Bernard, FRANCE
Merlot, Dulong, FRANCE
Columbia Crest, Merlot-Cabernet, WASHINGTON
Rioja, Bodegas Monticillo, SPAIN
Shiraz, Hardy's Nottage Hill, AUSTRALIA
Shiraz, Lindemans Bin 50, AUSTRALIA
Merlot, Dulong, FRANCE

CONSISTENTLY GOOD WHITE WINE - INEXPENSIVE:

Chardonnay, Chateau Ste. Michelle, WASHINGTON
Chardonnay, Columbia Crest, WASHINGTON
Chardonnay, Monterey, CALIFORNIA
Pinot Grigio, Mezza Corona, ITALY
Riesling, Bernkasteler Kurfurstlay Kabinett, GERMANY
Riesling, Cave Spring Cellars, NIAGARA - CANADA
Riesling, Wolf Blass, South Australia, Gold Label, AUSTRALIA
Sauvignon Blanc, Brancott (Montana Wines), Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND
Sauvignon Blanc, Lawson's Dry Hills, Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND

CONSISTENTLY GOOD RED WINE - MEDIUM PRICE:

Bordeaux, Chateau Leoville Poyferre, St.-Julien, FRANCE
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pride Mountain, NAPA, CALIFORNIA
Merlot, Chateau Ste. Michelle, WASHINGTON
Crozes-Hermitage, Alain Graillot, FRANCE
Crozes Hermitage, Paul Jaboulet Aine, Les Jalets, FRANCE
Pinot Noir, Truchard Vineyards, NAPA - CALIFORNIA
Pinot Noir, Eyrie Vineyards, OREGON
Rioja, Bodegas Montecillo, Gran Reserva, SPAIN
Shiraz, Penfolds, Coonawara Bin 128, AUSTRALIA

CONSISTENTLY GOOD WHITE WINE - MEDIUM PRICE:

Chardonnay, Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley, Cold Creek, WASHINGTON
Chardonnay, Kendall-Jackson, Monterey Great Estates, CALIFORNIA
Riesling, Smaragd Trocken Wachau Loibner Loibenberg, AUSTRIA
Sauvignon Blanc, Cloudy Bay, Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND

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