Red Wine

After reading Mark's "Definitive Guide on Alcohol" some time ago, I've been convinced that red wine is healthier than other types of alcohol. However, I still haven't really tried much red wine because I didn't really enjoy it in the past (I'm more of a beer snob and liquor kind of guy). But I really want to try more red wines and develop a palate for it (when my 21-30 day primal challenge is through, that is). So, I come to you guys asking: What red wines would you recommend for a complete beginner? Thanks in advance!

I would try a pinot noir - weak assed crap as my husband says - but it is lighter than the cabernets/merlots. And apparently the pinot noirs have the highest levels of resveratrol which is the good stuff that red wine supposedly has.

Chilean merlot is smooth and quite light. Some merlots taste great and less rich when lightly chilled.

I can't tolerate much red wine myself, but my tolerance seems to be improving, so I'm hoping I'll be able to indulge a little more often.

snoops is right: pinot noir has the highest levels of resveratrol. But to be at its best, pinot noir needs to age longer than other red varietals, and tends to be more expensive for the same quality. For a very good value, i.e., combination of price and quality, I like Canyon Oaks cabernet sauvignon.

I love California syrah and cab Sav and Italian Amarone della Valpolicella Classico. I generally stick to vintages, but as a noob, ease yourself into wine. When I first started drinking wine, I really liked Australian merlots. They were sweeter... Now I prefer dry, full bodied tannic reds.

Trader Joe's has 2-buck Chuck (Charles Shaw) which is not bad at all if you get the Syrah or Merlot.

I agree re pinot. where are you?what you getmay be limitedby what is sold or available where you are. If you can, a NZ pinot is the best!

[QUOTE=katemary;846680]I agree re pinot. where are you?what you getmay be limitedby what is sold or available where you are. If you can, a NZ pinot is the best![/QUOTE]

All Pinot noirs are great IMO. Try a south african pinotage sometime if you can find one (They sell them at Bevmo here).

I have to admit that despite living very close to where they filmed that movie about that really good pinot noir, (what was it called? Sideways?) I'm not a big fan of it.

[QUOTE=sbhikes;847087]I have to admit that despite living very close to where they filmed that movie about that really good pinot noir, (what was it called? Sideways?) I'm not a big fan of it.[/QUOTE]

Ditto. I'm not a pinot fan. I've tried some from around the world... not my fav for sure. Also, there are some pretty decent Portuguese red wine: Touriga Nacional and they are pretty cheap generally.