No matter how new you are to the “world of wine”, you probably know that wines come in two basic colors – red and white – with a less common third category known as blush or rose. Within these basic categories you will find a multitude of exciting varieties. While a lot of wine enthusiasts switch between the categories depending on the meal they are eating, most oenophiles have a definite bias toward either a red or a white variety.

White wines – made from white/green grapes (or red grapes that have had the skin removed) - tend to be a bit lighter and less complex, making them more “approachable”. The various white varieties seem to be the choice of wine novices, because they are easier to enjoy and don’t require that “getting used to” stage.

Some “safe” white wines to try would have to include a California Chardonnay…you really can’t go wrong with one of these in the $10 range. A nice Pinot Grigio from Italy also makes a delightful impression on most palates. Whites should be chilled and served at around 50 degrees (Fahrenheit); a bottle straight out of the refrigerator is probably a bit too cold.

Red wines use the entire red/black grape…skin, seeds…the works! (A little-known fact: almost all grapes have colorless juice so red wine gets its color by letting the skins soak in the juice until the red color bleeds out.)
For devout red-wine lovers, there is simply no diversion over to the “white side”. Red wines are often viewed as having more substance and a richer, earthier flavor that lingers much longer on the palate. The red varieties are usually enjoyed most with a meal because of their bold flavor.

Most people assume that red wine is best when consumed at room temperature…that’s not really true…unless the temperature in your house is like that of a drafty old castle!

A lot of the best red wines are from Australia…particularly the Shiraz variety…they tend to be inexpensive and full-bodied. There are excellent “blends” of red available, such as Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz/Grenache or even Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon to really add to a red wine lover’s selection.

Blush or rose wines have historically gotten a bad rap in the wine community. Generally looked upon as being overly sweet, they are often shunned by wine connoisseurs and considered to be “fake wine”. For those who do at times enjoy the blush variety, White Zinfandel is often a preference.

Contrary to popular belief…you do NOT have to spend a lot of money to get a good-tasting wine. There are delicious wines available in the $7 to $10 range, particularly if you’re ordering from the vast selection found online. You may want to start with the Californian and Australian wines, as these regions have a reputation for producing delicious, affordable varieties. You are probably asking yourself,
"Where can I buy wine online?" To answer that question, you can do a search on the Internet or visit click on the banner on the home page.