I have have been in Charleston, SC all weekend doing wine tastings and I have two great recommendations to get everyone on their way to discovering their tastes in wine.

Da Vinci Chianti is a reasonably priced and easily accessible Chianti from Italy. Chianti is Italy’s most famous red wine, which takes name from the eponymous traditional region of Tuscany. It used to be easily identified by its squat bottle enclosed in a straw basket, called fiasco (”flask”); however, the fiasco is only used by a few makers of the wine now; most Chianti is bottled in traditionally shaped wine bottles. Low-end Chianti is generally fairly inexpensive, with a basic Chianti running less than US$10 for a bottle. More sophisticated Chiantis, however, are made and sold at substantially higher price points.

And Ravenswood Zinfandel, a great Zin from California. Typically, Zinfandel wine tastes spicy and fruity. Vintners use Zinfandel grapes to produce a wide range of wine styles including sweet White Zinfandels, light-bodied reds reminiscent of Beaujolais nouveau, full bodied dry reds, sweet late harvest dessert wines, and port-style wine.

If you know any friends who are interested in wine and would like to recieve these messages tell them to request to join the Tastevine facebook group. Hosted two wine tastings in Charlotte this weekend, good wine and great company. If you are interested in hosting one, give me a shout.

Toasted Head Cabernet Sauvignon is a reasonably priced CabSav available at most supermarket chains in your area. A full bodied red wine with hints of smoke and dried earthy fruits. Great with a steak.

Sticks 2004 Chardonnay has been brought to my attention as a wine that has no definition. A chardonnay without the buttery richness associated with chard, this wine is crisp and fruity, great for the summer. Reasonably priced but a bit hard to find, ask local wine store owners if he can order it for you.

Aloha,
Starting out I’m just gonna give you some suggested wines that I’ve had lately with friends who have agreed:

Cakebread Chardonnay-
If you haven’t had this it is a must one of the best Chards I’ve ever had. Full buttery goodness with a dry finish. A heavy chicken or pasta dish would compliment this nicely!

Cousino Macul Cabernet Sauvignon-
Chilean CabSav with great flavor, full bodied and complex. Great with a large piece of Red Meat. Recommend to friends as it is available at most Sam’s Club for 15.00 and worth every penny.