Opinions, please - fav red wine?

[Deleted User]

I've made a bunch of selections for the dry white, semi-dry white, semi-sweet blush, and sweet red wines at our wedding.  I am hopelessly lost when it comes to dry reds, however.  I don't really like dry wines, and I can't handle tasting any more - our fridge is full of half-drank bottles of wine!

So - sticking with our theme of NY products - do you ladies have favorites among the NY dry reds?  (Cheaper is better, but I know that's not always possible...)

Thanks! 

kevinandmonica2011

Are you looking for anything in particular??  (Cab, Merlot, Shiraz, Syrah)???

Personally, I think one of my favs would be Miles Winery's "Call me a Cab"  It is a unique Cab-Franc blend (I think it's Cab-Franc... anyways)... it is a nice blend of a few different types of dry-er-ish wines and seems to appeal to a variety of wine dirnkers. 

I can check my wine rack at home for some others when I get home from work.

C*Mia

Rasta Ranch has really good dry red wine and Lamerioux landing (probably butchered that spelling) and penguin bay  

kevinandmonica2011

Ok... I've got a few more for you (after raiding my wine rack and boxes full of empty bottles...

Yellow Cab and Meritage from Glenora Winery (both well rounded red blends that should appeal to both Cab and Merlot drinkers)

Fox Run- Fox Trot Red another blend

Anthony Road Winery has an awesome red table wine (Tony's Red)... they also have a Tony's White and Tony's Blush... all 3 are so perfect, well rounded "Table Wines"... a little dry, a little sweet...  These are really good, go well with all kinds of food and run around $10 I think... but, it might be a litlte bit sweeter than you are looking for.  I know they have some good traditionally dry reds, but I also can't think of those names.

Last but not least, Bully Hill has some fabulous wines (and they are always very reasonably priced).  I can't think of the dry-er ones off the top of my head, but if you go to a wine store, pick up a bottle and check out the back side, it will have a scale from sweet-dry, then show you where that wine fits in on the scale.  I wouldn't go ALL the way to the dry side (because even most regular wine drinkers have to acquire a taste for wines like that) but I am sure you would be able to gauge where you guests would fall in on that scale.  It's an awesome tool.  I think they also make recommendations for food pairings with their wine on the bottle... so you can try to find one that might fit in with your menu.

As you can see, I tend to gravitate towards blends to keep around the house for dinners and such.  They are kind of a catch-all... not to mention usually cheaper than a full bodied Cab, Pinot or Merlot.  This may be a good option for you if you are unsure whether the majority prefers Cab, Merlot, Pinot, etc... and just want to try to keep everyone happy.s

My last suggestion would be to find a winery you like (or even a liquor store that does tastings or has someone who kind of specializes in wine).  Call up or stop in and explain your situation... also bring a copy of your menu if you have one.  There are people (sommeliers) who are experts at pairing wine with food or selecting the perfect wine for any situation.  If you catch one at a winery or liquor store, their advice is free!!!  If you are really nervous about your wine selection, it just might benefit you to lean on a pro for advice.

Good luck!

[Deleted User]

Thanks so much, ladies!  This coming weekend, I'll be picking up my dress and buying lots of wine in Syracuse - hooray!!!!