Wine suggestions for a complete NOOB.

[Miller1985]

At the risk of looking like a complete retard, I'm going to post this question. 

 What what are the best wines for a reasonable cost? I realize that's a broad question, and research is my best friend... which I've been doing a ton of, by the way. 

 I'm not wealthy, nor do I drink a lot of alcohol, but when I do drink, I prefer to drink something other than Bud Lite. I like scotch over bourbon. Stouts over ales. Chocolate and bread over florals. I love the peaty, oaky scotches  

 To give you an idea of my price range ... I will spend $100-$200 on a bottle of scotch, but that will be added to my collection and will last me at least a year, and likely longer. 

 Thanks in advance for any advice on this rather intimidating subject. 

 

Cheers

Dennis

[Colt45]

19 minutes ago, Miller1985 said:

I realize that's a broad question

It is a broad question, and "best' is quite subjective. It might start with what your current tastes are and how open you are to something new / outside your norm. That said, I'll give two of my current regulars - Tenuta Sant'Antonio Scaia Corvina and Chateau d'Oupia Minervois. Would you enjoy them? I don't know - they have "character". I buy them regularly for U.S. $10 - great value wines, but really, great wines period. I'm a big fan of Italian wines, French, Spanish, Portuguese as well. Many wine lovers here - I'm sure you'll get some great advice.

[Blazer]

As mentioned it's a tough question. Since you like stouts over ales me thinks you are going to like reds over whites from there it's a price and preference thing. Try these cheaper, but good quality reds and see where it leads you.

Concanon Crimson and Clover $11-$13 Light fruity red blend

Masciarelli Montepulciano D'Abruzzo $9-$12  Very dry Italian red

Hahn SLH Pinot Noir $15-$20 Earthy, bright cherry, tobacco notes

Caymus Connundrum Red Blend $16-$22 Full bodied Smuckers grape Jelly in a glass 

Santa Cantabria Rioja $13-$20 Light earthy, minerally old word style red

Happy to give more expensive recommendations, but like cigars, find what you like before filling your humidor with expensive sticks you aren't going to like smoking.

[Miller1985]

Thank you, gentlemen, for the advice so far. 

 Blazer, I discovered that very thing with cigars early on. Just because others are crazy about it doesn't mean I will be. Since then I've started using other recommendations/reviews as a jumping off point. 

 Thank you both for the price conscious recommendations ... I understand that as in everything else in life, you get what you pay for, but hopefully value wines will give me enough of a taste of what I appreciate to send me down the right path in the more expensive bottles. 

 Again, thank you both for taking the time to give me some input. 

 

Dennis

[Gunson]

Gonna see if I can pick up some of those myself. Always looking for a tasty wine.

[scap99]

Agreed, interesting options listed above. 

Might have to grab one or two to try out.