If you like Pinot Noir then....

you probably would like a Beaujolais.  You just don't know it yet.


There are many different types of red wines that most Americans (or most people for that matter) haven't yet tried.  You see a crazy name like a "Barolo" or a "Sangiovese" and bam!  You move on to something you understand, like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon because you know they're going to taste good.  Totally understandable, but totally boring.  There is a world of red wine out there to explore!  Go try something new!  But yes, wine is expensive, and whether it tastes good or not is very subjective.  So I'm going to try and demystify the world of foreign red wine for you, and put some new options on the table instead of the same old Pinot.


1) If you like: Pinot Noir
    Then you probably like: Beaujolais


Explanation: Beaujolais wines are made with 100% Gamay grapes.  These grapes make a wine that is just about as light and low in tannins as Pinot Noir grapes.  Gamay grapes are much less finicky too, so Beaujolais wines are going to be more consistent as well.  You can drink Beaujolais young, like Pinot, and with all the great food you like drinking Pinot with.  Holiday dinners come to mind.  There are three "levels" of Beaujolais.  The basic, plain Beaujolais, which costs $, the Beaujolais-Villages, $$, and the Beaujolais Cru, $$$.   These wines are super easy to drink, so definitely go out there and pick one up.


Surefire one to try: Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages 2008, about $10 in most grocery stores.




2) If you like: Merlot
    Then you probably like: Sangiovese/Chianti


Explanation: Sangiovese grapes are used to make Tuscan wines called simply Sangiovese and wines from the Chianti region of Tuscany called Chianti.  These guys are mostly produced in Tuscany, Italy.  The Sangiovese grapes though are similar to Merlot grapes, albeit maybe a bit more complex and earthy.  They're usually not that expensive, and sometimes are mixed with up to 20% Merlot grapes for a different flavor.  There are also three "levels" of Chianti.  The basic, Chianti, which costs $, the Chianti Classico, $$, and 2+ year aged Chianti Classico Riserva, $$$.  Definitely worth trying for all you Merlot fans.


Surefire one to try: Santa Cristina Antinori Sangiovese Toscana 2008, about $11 in most grocery stores.




3) If you like: Cabernet Sauvignon
   Then you probably like: Malbec


Explanation: Malbec is (we think) originally from the Bordeaux region in France.  It is one of the six grapes allowed in the Bordeaux blends, to this day.  In 1956, however, about three quarters of the Malbec crop was killed in a devastating frost.  Bordeaux Malbecs never really recovered.  They did, somehow, make their way to South America, (more precisely Argentina) where they thrive today.  The Malbec grape makes a very full-bodied, powerful, velvety wine.  In France they're often mixed with Cabernet grapes, given that the two grapes compliment each other.  Malbecs can be drunk young, but like Cabernets, they have great aging potential.  So if you're feeling adventurous, try one.


Surefire one to try:  Santa Alicia Malbec Reserva 2009, about $8 in some grocery stores.