looking for good general references on the Web

Hello All--

My hubby and I are about 3 years into our interest in wines, and we're finding that we need a stronger foundation in wine basics. We are wine dabblers at best, and usually purchase by asking our local wine vendor for recommendations. We're also very busy people & don't have a lot of time to spend on this hobby.

Can you recommend a quick introduction into wine basics that would help us in (a) developing our palates and (b) choosing our own wines? Also, if you'd recommend a subscription to one (only one) wine magazine, which would you recommend for people like us?

Thanks very much for your insights.

philosopher (part of the signature-sporting, top-posting reform movement)

Reply to
philosopher
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As you aksed for a quick introduction, I would strongly recommend "I Don't Know Much About Wine...But I Know What I Like" by Simon Woods. It is concise, to the point, and no nonsense advice. Stands head and shoulders above many other similar attempts to meet these goals.

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At the next level of detail, I have no *very* strong recommendations without knowing more about your requirements, but personally I got on well with Michal Schuster's "Essential Winetasting: The Complete Practical Winetasting Course"

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and also Jancis Robinson's "Wine Tasting Workbook"
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Schuster's book outlines a precise winetasting course which, together with a few friends, I followed very closely. I personally found that aspect very useful, but it may not be for you.

(NB: I am an Amazon associate. The links provided above will push a small percentage of the cost of the book in my direction. If you object to this, simply remove the "stirbitchcom" bit of the link or buy from elsewhere.)

Reply to
Steve Slatcher

....Decanter Magazine is my personal prefference.

cheers Mathew

Reply to
Mathew Kagis

My first post here. I also am in the learning stage.

I have found two sources most helpful in finding good wines at good prices. One is a large local wine shop with a large selection and knowledgeable sales people. Its nice to go in and say "What do you recommend in a Chardonnay up to $15?" Have been very pleased w/ their recommendations.

The other source is

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I can get a list of highly rated wines (WW,WS,CB, etc.) in my price range and go shopping. Again, have been pleased with the results and the 'hunt' is fun.

Chip L

Reply to
Chip L

Hey Chip, Enjoy your hunting and thanks for the link. Always good to have another source for wine information since Wine Spectator on-line ratings became $ubscription only. But that's another story.

Dick R.

Reply to
Dick R.

Hey fellow wine newbie, The Wine spectator ratings are on the link . They are the WS ratings. WW is wilford wong

A couple of great values I've found are the whole Gallo Sonoma line (not the regular Gallo line) and Trinity Oaks Chardonny. (California $7-10)

Enjoy Chip

Reply to
Chip L

Hi Chip, I have been enjoying wine for a number of years, but compared to some of the good folks in this NG, I'm still a newbie. There are numerous wines that "I know by heart", and I continue to purchase them. For wines that I'm not familiar with, I look for TNs, ratings, whatever, just to get a clue as to whether I should try a bottle. Then, if I decide I like the wine, I rush back to the store hoping that the wine is still on sale.

Thanks, and enjoy the journey, Dick R.

Chip L wrote:

Reply to
Dick R.

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