I've been active here in the Audio Asylum since the beginning, though I don't post as much as I used to. However maybe the wine asylum can get me more active again....
I'm more of a beer geek - I just love ales, especially Belgium ones. However I need to lose weight so I'm switching to wine - really my first serious foray. I've been to the local shops and picked up a few things and what strikes me is:
1. The overwhelming selection
2. The absence of my ability to critically distinguish between various wines.
I'm trying to stay in the $10-$20 retail area and would like to home in a few wines that I can get to know and grow with. My thinking (perhaps wrong) is to get to know something well, then perhaps that can be the start of more clearly distinguishing different wines.
One obstacle is that I am allergic to sulfites - I get somewhat asthmatic with it. So for starters I'm starting out white. And I'm thinking of starting with a particular type, like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio - I seem to enjoy those. However this past weekend I was at a party hosted by a Frenchman in the neighborhood, he sure had something nice that I'll look into.
Anyhow, any suggestions for the un-initiated? Are their decent websites that rate wine? I've seen some pocket guidebooks, are these worthwhile?
Thanks!
Bob