Probably a dumb question about wine

I'm not much a wine drinker, but I tend to lean towards sweeter, fruitier wines. I've never been much of a fan of reds because they're a bit too tart for me.

Can someone explain to me the taste difference between Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, etc.

Can anyone recommend a type of wine that sort of fits my taste -- sweet, fruity, not tart.

i don't know too much about wine either... i'm also not such a fan of the taste...

i usually stick with reislings... or even a rose wine...

Not a dumb question at all.

Chardonnay is an all purpose white, can be a bit dry and 'oak' like in taste. Some have hints of peach or pear, some taste grassy. It's best to read the back of the label - it describes the various flavors you will taste in the wine.
Pinot Grigio is drier and a bit heartier than chardonnay, if I drink white then this is what I like.
Riesling as you say is a sweeter white, not so dry in taste. This one pairs good with desserts.
Ice Wine is also a sweet white, sweeter than Riesling.
It is in those really skinny bottles.

White Zinfandel is a blush wine, it is not dry and is between chardonney and riesling in sweetness. Tastes good cold.

I'm a red drinker, like the pinot noirs and cabernet sauvignons because of their complex flavors. I also read the labels because each has different taste notes in it.

I dont like red wines at all-I tend to stick to the fruitier side also.

Try White Zinfandel...dont know why but I like it wtihout making a face after drinking it

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Posted by SusiBtoM

Not a dumb question at all.

Chardonnay is an all purpose white, can be a bit dry and 'oak' like in taste. Some have hints of peach or pear, some taste grassy. It's best to read the back of the label - it describes the various flavors you will taste in the wine.
Pinot Grigio is drier and a bit heartier than chardonnay, if I drink white then this is what I like.
Riesling as you say is a sweeter white, not so dry in taste. This one pairs good with desserts.
Ice Wine is also a sweet white, sweeter than Riesling.
It is in those really skinny bottles.

White Zinfandel is a blush wine, it is not dry and is between chardonney and riesling in sweetness. Tastes good cold.

I'm a red drinker, like the pinot noirs and cabernet sauvignons because of their complex flavors. I also read the labels because each has different taste notes in it.

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this was soooo so helpful! I think i'll tend to go for the Riesling and Ice wines more, but at least I'll know what to look for now I've always been afraid to go shopping for wine thinking i'd look completely lost

Normally, when I have wine, I drink white zin...but mainly because thats what my parents drank growing up. Its not as sweet and flavorful as I would like....so now I know what to try next time!

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Posted by PegaLega

I dont like red wines at all-I tend to stick to the fruitier side also.

Try White Zinfandel...dont know why but I like it wtihout making a face after drinking it

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I looooove white Zinfandel

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Posted by AeroJenn

I'm not much a wine drinker, but I tend to lean towards sweeter, fruitier wines. I've never been much of a fan of reds because they're a bit too tart for me.

Can someone explain to me the taste difference between Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, etc.

Can anyone recommend a type of wine that sort of fits my taste -- sweet, fruity, not tart.

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Without getting to technical and so I don't bore you. I will explain as best as I can.

Chardonnay has more of a oak like taste.A bit deeper or richer with full body.(a bit bitter sometimes)

Pinot Grigio is a lighter wine and it can have sweeter notes -but it is not a sweet wine.

My best suggestion for you is to drink the Riesling that is sweet. It is usually served during dessert.
It won't really compliment you dinner.

It can also compliement wine and cheese. Riesling with a dryer spicy taste.(bitter too)

The white zin or Rose' is also very sweet but again not really for drinking with dinnner although I sure some do.


Another good opition is to try a Pinot Gris and or a Sauvignon Blanc/Fume

In my late year I have b/c a bit of a wine snob. If you would like a suggestion on which one. I will try to help you find something you like

Riesling is the sweetest of it, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay.

Start with that and then maybe you'll develop a taste for a Saugignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio...

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Posted by gemmifer

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Posted by AeroJenn

I'm not much a wine drinker, but I tend to lean towards sweeter, fruitier wines. I've never been much of a fan of reds because they're a bit too tart for me.

Can someone explain to me the taste difference between Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, etc.

Can anyone recommend a type of wine that sort of fits my taste -- sweet, fruity, not tart.

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Without getting to technical and so I don't bore you. I will explain as best as I can.

Chardonnay has more of a oak like taste.A bit deeper or richer with full body.(a bit bitter sometimes)

Pinot Grigio is a lighter wine and it can have sweeter notes -but it is not a sweet wine.

My best suggestion for you is to drink the Riesling that is sweet. It is usually served during dessert.
It won't really compliment you dinner.


The white zin or Rose' is also very sweet but again not really for drinking with dinnner although I sure some do.


Another good opition is to try a Pinot Gris and or a Sauvignon Blanc/Fume

In my late year I have b/c a bit of a wine snob. If you would like a suggestion on which one. I will try to help you find something you like

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I would love a suggestion. I'm planning on going out Monday to do some wine shopping and I'd like to pick up a bottle of Riesling, an Ice wine, and a Chardonnay (DH doesnt like his wine too sweet, so this might be a good option for him). Any suggestions of any good bottles?? I prefer strawberry and pear-like flavors in my wines.

I would definitely go for a Riesling, but becareful because not all Rieslings are sweet. GO to you local wine store and ask for a recomentation on a sweet riesling. Chardonay, pinot girgio and sauvignon blancs tend to be on the more acid and dry side.

Also someone mentioned iced wines. they are a good choice as well!!

Have FUn!

rieslings are truly a mixed bag.... they can be as sweet as a desert wine, or rather crisp and dry (likely not to your liking). unless you are going to a shop that has descriptions of the wine flavor underneath the bottle, I would recommend you avoid buying a random reisling.....

chardonnay is a full-bodied standard white. I think it would be more towards your liking...

Actually, I'm rather surprised you don't like any reds... there are a lot of fruity reds..... syrah (aka shiraz), chiantis..... I think you really would like a good fruity chianti....

buy a wine with a description of 'fruity' (such as a chianti) or in the case of chardonnay 'buttery' with tastes of 'vanilla' 'apricot' or 'pear'.....

if you're going to a good wine shop, you probably would also like white wines from the greek island of samos.... those are almost desert-like....

pinot grigio isn't my thing.... so I don't have much to say on that topic....

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Posted by portjeffbride

rieslings are truly a mixed bag.... they can be as sweet as a desert wine, or rather crisp and dry (likely not to your liking). unless you are going to a shop that has descriptions of the wine flavor underneath the bottle, I would recommend you avoid buying a random reisling.....

chardonnay is a full-bodied standard white. I think it would be more towards your liking...

Actually, I'm rather surprised you don't like any reds... there are a lot of fruity reds..... syrah (aka shiraz), chiantis..... I think you really would like a good fruity chianti....

buy a wine with a description of 'fruity' (such as a chianti) or in the case of chardonnay 'buttery' with tastes of 'vanilla' 'apricot' or 'pear'.....

if you're going to a good wine shop, you probably would also like white wines from the greek island of samos.... those are almost desert-like....

pinot grigio isn't my thing.... so I don't have much to say on that topic....

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this is really interesting. I didnt know there were 'fruity' reds. I think what steers me from the reds is the acidity normally, but I will definately try a chianti. Mmmm...this whole thread has me wanting some wine now!

lol this is funny.. I will FM you.

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Posted by gemmifer

lol this is funny.. I will FM you.

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i warned you it was a dumb question

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Posted by AeroJenn

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Posted by gemmifer

lol this is funny.. I will FM you.

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i warned you it was a dumb question

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I am not at you silly.
no. go check out your FM.

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Posted by Songstress

Since you like sweet I would say try a Gewurztraminer. I find it to be sweeter than a Riesling.

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I second this Its sooooo good and sweet!!!!!!!!!

We had a bottle of Shiraz in the house (Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz 2005) so I opened that to give it a try. Its definately not what I normally like, but its not bad either.

I'm heading to the wine shoppe tomorrow (they dont sell liquor on sundays in GA) so I'll let you all know what I come home with!