Wine Request

[literati]

My FFIL's doctor has suggested that he drink red wine for health reasons. He's willing to do so but only wants a sweet red that he can drink chilled. Any ideas?

[anemone]

Try a Grenache grape variety red, as these are usually served chilled. They are often blended with the Shiraz or "Syrah" grape as well to balance them out and are really nice to accompany spicy food - they are quite a mild tasting wine.

I can't offer you any actual recs, as I'm not in the US, so not familiar with your wine labels, but as the Grenache grape grows in a warmer climate, I'd say that something from So Cal will be ideal. Try looking in the chilled section in a wine shop.

If you're looking for a sweet red I can really only think of a sparkling burgandy....but I'm not sure you'll be wanting to drink that every night! Try a mild red (avoid Shiraz or "Syrah" and Cabernet Sauvignon types as they are fuller flavored), and go from there until he finds something he likes.

[carrie9142]

Ok, this is coming from someone who isn't a big wine fan and likes her booze cheap :o

There is a red called Riunite that is super cheap, and really just tastes like grape juice. If you don't like wine-this is great since it doesn't taste like wine. It isn't dry at all. I buy just the old school red table wine. I think it is $9 for a giant bottle. I buy mine at Target.

[alisong]

How about a rosé? It's not exactly red, more like pink, but it's usally very mild and is served chilled.

[Renrel]

Since wine is a very individual taste, and as tastes change over time and experience, what I would suggest is see if some of your local wine shops have wine tasting and go in and try a few. Most shops that sell a real selection of wines have fairly regular tastings, like once a week. My favorite shop does a huge tasting once a year where you could taste like 50 wines, but usually there are 3-6 bottles open at a tasting.

Also Trader Joes has a large selection of inexpensive wines that would be good for a "house wine" to have with dinner. They sometimes have some out to taste and given their customer service I would not be suprised if they were willing to open a bottle for tasting if you showed a real interest.

If you really want cloyingly sweet wine, try some of the kosher wines used for cermemonal reasons, manashevitz grape concord is very sweet, I sometimes use it for cooking as well.

[yby1]

Most red table wines that you will find at the grocery store would probably work. And I agree with renrel, if you want something sickeningly sweet, Manischewitz Kosher Wines will do the trick. :)

[literati]

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

I'm so envious of those who can buy their wine in grocery stores. It's not permitted in my state.

[moderngal]

Chianti and Sangiovese are pretty easy to drink. And I'm with yby1, a red table wine (a blend) would work-- cheap French Rhones or South African blends come to mind.