Wine Recommendations?

[asrcolorado]

Hi,
I don't know much about wine. Can anyone recommend a good red wine to bring home for my family to try?

Thank you..........

[willow]

I don't know much about wine except that good wine is yummy!

I had requests from my family to bring wine home, so I stopped at a Nicolas store on Rue Monge in the 5th. The shopkeeper was immensely helpful with my selection and everyone loved their wine! He just needed to know the type (white,red,rose, dry, fruity, light..etc).

[Becky (Berkeleytravelers)]

I would agree that it's helpful to ask someone in a wine shop. It is a good idea, however, to try to get recommendations about specific shops (such as the one Willow makes) because the level of knowledge and helpfulness can vary greatly from one store to another. (For instance, although we always had good experiences at the Nicolas on Ile St Louis when staying there, we went into a Nicolas store on av Bosquet when we were staying in that area a couple of weeks ago, and the young man behind the counter seemed to have little knowledge and even less interest, despite the fact that we clearly knew about wine and had some specific questions.) Have fun with it - and Willow is right, it will help a lot if you have an idea of what your family generally likes (red or white, light or full bodied, etc.) And don't forget, there's always champagne!

[sistereurope]

Yes, I would find out what type of red wine your family prefers - heavy big and bold or light and fruity. Then a wine merchant should most certainly point you in the right direction.

I've been trying to learn more about wine (which requires MUCH tasting ;D). French wines are organized (for lack of a better word!) by region, or "terroir". So you have Bordeaux wines which come from the Bordeaux region, Burgundies which come from Burgundy, ect. Generally, the wines from each region share similar characteristics because they contain similar grapes. (For example, Red Burgundies have a lot of Pinot Noir, which makes a lot of them lighter in style than say a Bordeaux) We just learned during our past trip that one of our favorites, Chateauneuf du Pape, HAS to contain 13 specific grape varieties! We also like Cote du Rhones, Gigondas and we had some great wine from the Corrbieres.

Contrast that with wines from other countries which are classified by the grape. So you have Pinot Noirs and Cabernets and Merlots that could be from CA or Australia. You can have a blend, but usually you will find them classified by the grape...

At least that's my understanding - I realize that I have a LOT of work to do to become truly knowledgeable ;D

[asrcolorado]

Thanks, that was helpful!! I'm not a wine (or alcohol) drinker, but I think I will be bringing a bottle back to my hotel each night.

My family may have to go without, depending on how much I indulge myself. ;D

[suzanne]

I am amazed at much good wine you can buy in Paris for very reasonable prices. I like the Bordeax wines the best. We frequent the Nicholas wine shops. They are all over Paris. you can get some awsome deals in the grocery stores too. If you are there in late November the Beaujolais wines are pretty good and the prices are good. I have nt been so fortunate finding good deals on Champagne, however the Champagne "Method" wines are usually good.

We live in so. Ca and so we can buy French wines at Trader Joe's, Cost Plus, and Bev Mo. Even though they cost a bit more here, it saves me from having to pack and lug them home from Paris. I gave my co-workers Beaujolais for Christmas. They thought it was really nice of me to bring it all the way from Paris. I had actually purchased it at Bev Mo. LOL

[mez]

ascolorado, if you plan to bring back wine, you may want to take some packaging for your wine so it travels safely on it's journey back home. I know here post offices sell special packaging for wine, but at a pinch even the good old bubble wrap is ideal.

Of course if the store you buy it in can help out, well even better.

A bit off topic, I am surprised at the increasing number of French wines available here at reeasonable prices. Now you can get good French wines in many places. Disclaimer: my idea of good may not match that of a connoisseur.