emirate25 Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 Taking out a special lady to a nice italian restaurant this weekend...What would you recommend for Red wine?What would you recommend for White wine?Nothing expensive, nothing cheap...just right.Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 (edited) i think it depends on what the restaurant has, what you're eating, what you like etc. if they have an online wine list that could help. Edited March 26, 2008 by musicman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelguy_73 Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 My rule of thumb is to order something that isn't the cheapest, but maybe a notch or two above (wait staff have told me that most people, after deciding on red or white, then order strictly by price). After the first glass, your taste buds can't differentiate between an "excellent" wine and a merely "good" wine.IMO, deciding between red and white, which depends on what you are eating, is more important than the actual winery the vino comes from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDeb Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 So what are some good guidelines for red vs. white and what you are eating?I've never been very picky about what I'm eating with my vino. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 (edited) If you're going to a mid-range casual place, the waiter probably won't be of any help, and possibly will steer you wrong. They can tell you what's most popular, though. There are just too many variables to make a blanket suggestion without knowing the wine list. Try online first like musicman said, then maybe try calling ahead and asking to speak to the manager about wines they serve. Perhaps your date knows wine? If so, it's perfectly acceptable to let her choose. She won't think any less of you, I promise. aside from the fact that I'll drink cab with fritos.......an easy rule of thumb is too stick with the basics. A lighter bodied red is good with grilled meats and meaty gilled fish (tuna, salmon) (merlot, blends, pinot noir) . Cabernet is good with grilled beef and lamb, also roasted beef and lamb. Fruitier whites (chard) are good for delicate meats like veal, fish (I prefer with milder fish) veggie, salads, shellfish. Crisper whites (pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc) are good with pork and I like them with BBQ or cured meats. Edited March 26, 2008 by crunchtastic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 Well, I usually go red with Pasta, Steak, or Fish. A merlot by Blackstone has been my preference, but a merlot is a merlot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 Perhaps your date knows wine? If so, it's perfectly acceptable to let her choose. She won't think any less of you, I promise. Very true aside from the fact that I'll drink cab with fritos....... This is my issue, therefore I am not of much help in this department Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marmer Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 I've been very happy with Shiraz from Rosemount Estates in Australia. But I second the motion to ask her advice, and if she has none, order something that you have enjoyed before. If she really thinks ill of you for ordering the wrong wine, then she's not for you anyway. Be confident in what you know but don't try to fake knowledge you don't have.[/soapbox] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 You can always get Sangria! Yeah I love that Sangria wine Just like I love old friends of mine They tell the truth when they're mixed with the wine That's why I blend in the lemons and limes Woah oh oh I love Sangria wine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 You can always get Sangria! Goes much better with fritos, too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Porchman Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 (edited) So what are some good guidelines for red vs. white and what you are eating?I've never been very picky about what I'm eating with my vino.Typically, whites go with fish and chicken. Reds with red meats and also game birds (including duck). I guess that means being vegetarian makes choosing a wine easy. You can break beyond this, though. It's not like you'll die if you have a white with your steak, it's just that a red can be a slightly better partner. Ask your special lady what she prefers.As for the white varietals, I prefer Pinot Grigio (of which you should find plenty at an Italian restaurant) or Savignon Blanc, because their crisp. If they have it, a Tebbianno is a nice white table wine. As far as the red varietals, my Favorites are Zinfandels (Red zin, not the crappy pink stuff!), which are typically bolder and Pinot Noirs, which are deep and fruity. At an a good Italian joint they should a good Sangiovese - a nice, not too heavy wine, ususally well priced. Chianti (sort of related) is a nice, basic table wine. Remember, reds, particularly, need to breathe. Let it open up before drinking it much. Swirling it in the glass can help.As far as vintage: 2005-2006 on the whites. 2003-2005 on the reds (newer is okay with Chianti). Have fun! Edited March 26, 2008 by Porchman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cottonmather0 Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 Ask the waiter for a recommendation based on what you're going to eat and you won't go wrong. If you try and act like you know something you don't, it might backfire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 Ask the waiter for a recommendation based on what you're going to eat and you won't go wrong. If you try and act like you know something you don't, it might backfire.That's very true, I've asked and have rarely been disappointed. Plus it helps educate you on what wines go with what and allow you to stock some for home. Most women (label me "Oink.") seem to prefer German white wines because they have a tendency to be fruity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 I've been very happy with Shiraz from Rosemount Estates in Australia.Mmmm. The Rosemount Shiraz/Cab blend is my current 'everyday' wine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 and for dessert, get some chocolate cake with port wine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 aside from the fact that I'll drink cab with fritos.......an easy rule of thumb is too stick with the basics.Really? That's what I drink (2005 Becker Iconoclast) with Wolf brand canned chili. I'm not typically a frito pie kind of person, but it sure as hell makes me wonder whether that might be a good combo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 Really? That's what I drink (2005 Becker Iconoclast) with Wolf brand canned chili. I'm not typically a frito pie kind of person, but it sure as hell makes me wonder whether that might be a good combo.I find chips, cheese, onions and a good red do wonders. Oh, and a spork. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeebus Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 Ask the waiter for a recommendation based on what you're going to eat and you won't go wrong.Is depends on the restaurant whether the wait staff will be knowledgeable. The best thing I can recommend it to never order by the glass. You run the risk of getting 2 day old wine (or worse) that will be bitter. Also, give your red wines plenty of chance to breath by not overfilling your glass and swirling it around.Also, go by a Kroger and just browse the wines. Look at the prices and make a mental note. You'll notice at any restaurant that there is a 100% mark-up on every wine. Just FYI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 Also, go by a Kroger and just browse the wines. Look at the prices and make a mental note. You'll notice at any restaurant that there is a 100% mark-up on every wine. Just FYI.100% minimum. Some restaurants mark it up as much as 500%. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendyps Posted March 28, 2008 Share Posted March 28, 2008 my advice, let the lady choose, red vs white, and ask if she has a preference. then look at the prices, tick 2 up from the bottom and you should be good to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJones Posted March 29, 2008 Share Posted March 29, 2008 (edited) Typically, whites go with fish and chicken. Reds with red meats and also game birds (including duck). I guess that means being vegetarian makes choosing a wine easy. You can break beyond this, though. It's not like you'll die if you have a white with your steak, it's just that a red can be a slightly better partner. Ask your special lady what she prefers.As for the white varietals, I prefer Pinot Grigio (of which you should find plenty at an Italian restaurant) or Savignon Blanc, because their crisp. If they have it, a Tebbianno is a nice white table wine. As far as the red varietals, my Favorites are Zinfandels (Red zin, not the crappy pink stuff!), which are typically bolder and Pinot Noirs, which are deep and fruity. At an a good Italian joint they should a good Sangiovese - a nice, not too heavy wine, ususally well priced. Chianti (sort of related) is a nice, basic table wine. Remember, reds, particularly, need to breathe. Let it open up before drinking it much. Swirling it in the glass can help.As far as vintage: 2005-2006 on the whites. 2003-2005 on the reds (newer is okay with Chianti). Have fun!Re-read the above post very carefully, Porchman has hit it directly on the head with this info. I was gonna tell you something similar. I worked for Mezzaluna in Austin for awhile, very extensive and PRICEY winelist there, and they would have us come for classes in the restaurant, taught by the wine sellers themselves to instruct us HOW to tell the different flavors and smells. I would not fancy myself a sa wine expert by any means, but I do know the rules of thumb, and Porchman has it right. Edited March 29, 2008 by TJones Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Porchman Posted March 29, 2008 Share Posted March 29, 2008 Re-read the above post very carefully, Porchman has hit it directly on the head with this info. I was gonna tell you something similar. I worked for Mezzaluna in Austin for awhile, very extensive and PRICEY winelist there, and they would have us come for classes in the restaurant, taught by the wine sellers themselves to instruct us HOW to tell the different flavors and smells. I would not fancy myself a sa wine expert by any means, but I do know the rules of thumb, and Porchman has it right.T, I'm blushing!The pricing posts are also good rules of thumb.Emerite, please report back on what transpires. Have fun and enjoy the date. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJones Posted March 29, 2008 Share Posted March 29, 2008 Emirate, just ply her with some Boone's Farms and get her wasted, she will love you long time, I promise ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark F. Barnes Posted March 29, 2008 Share Posted March 29, 2008 Or you can always try the ole TJ standby, Mogan David two zero two zero.But then you'll fully understand the front yard underwear deal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJones Posted March 29, 2008 Share Posted March 29, 2008 (edited) Or you can always try the ole TJ standby, Mogan David two zero two zero.But then you'll fully understand the front yard underwear dealMad Dog 20/20 is for peasents !!! Please show the respect I deserve and remember that the "ole standby" is a bottle of Grey Goose in one fist and a roofie in the other ! Edited March 29, 2008 by TJones Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownWxBoy Posted March 29, 2008 Share Posted March 29, 2008 I don't like red wine, so I would choose white. Many say you are supposed to drink red wine with steak and other red meat and white wine with chicken or pasta... I just drink what I like to drink, and I don't like red at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vertigo58 Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 Only the best MD 20/20! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
native_Houstonian Posted April 2, 2008 Share Posted April 2, 2008 (edited) Well, Emirate, how did the date go? Edited April 2, 2008 by native_Houstonian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NenaE Posted April 2, 2008 Share Posted April 2, 2008 (edited) Most women (label me "Oink.") seem to prefer German white wines because they have a tendency to be fruity.not this woman...with seafood, I prefer a nice moderately priced (10-15$) Pinot Grigio (Italian). It's lighter,drier than the typical chardonnay. But I like a Kendall Jackson Chardonnay, little heavy. A good everyday wine is California - "Barefoot" Chardonnay. Very light. Not a huge fan of reds, but with a nice steak, I serve "Pinot Nior", good, not too heavy.I do not like German wines, you are right, too fruity. Edited April 2, 2008 by NenaE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vertigo58 Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 Ok, I can't help it, but once more: They are not long, the days of wine and roses: Out of a misty dream Our path emerges for a while, then closes Within a dream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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