full-bodied red wine, softer than Cabernet Sauvignon but stronger than Merlot. Not surprisingly, Graves says he sells Yellowtail Shiraz like water.
"I don't spend a lot on wine because you can get some really great wines without spending even $10. I have found that it's definitely not the price that indicates how good the wine is."
Zinfandels can reach extremely high Brix levels, producing upward of 16 percent natural alcohol. They have a spicy, blackberry flavor. These grapes are often made into White Zinfandel, a less common Zinfandel wine.
Sarah Spence, St. Louis senior and self-proclaimed wine fanatic
Another red wine grape is Pinot Noir, which often produces a light-red, rich, full-bodied wine. Although common, you will find a limited selection of good inexpensive Pinot Noir, because it is one of the toughest grape crops to master. Pinot Noirs have a soft, velvety texture and are often described as liquid silk.
You've probably heard of Chianti, the spaghetti sidekick. It's a bold red wine, often paired with pasta dishes soaked in yummy well-seasoned sauces. It originated in the Chianti region of Tuscany and can easily be described as Italy's most famous wine. It's often served in a squaty bottle, cradled in a straw basket. While there are several Chianti producers all over the world, look for a bottle labeled with a black rooster. This is Chianti Classico, the sole indicator that it was made in the Chianti region.
The grape is one of the hardest agricultural crops to grow because of its sensitivity to the elements and disease. The
Chardonnay grape is one of the easiest to cultivate because it is disease-resistant. It grows just about everywhere around the world because it thrives in all types of climates. Its range of flavor is perhaps the best feature of this grape. It can be very refreshing and crisp to rich and sweet.
Sauvignon Blanc grapes make dry, fresh and intense white wines with lasting aromas. The wine's slightly green hue has given it the well-deserved description of looking like cat pee. Its taste differs among climates. For tart Sauvignon Blanc, look for wines from colder climates such as France. For richer and riper Sauvignon Blanc, warmer regions such as California make the best.
The Riesling grape is most known for its acidity and producing sweet wine. It can, however, produce bone-dry wine. The most common Riesling is produced
in Germany. It survives in some of the coldest climates. Riesling wine pairs well with seafood and is scrumptious alone as a dessert.
Pinot Grigio is another common white wine. It is a light-bodied, crisp and acidic white side-kick to the Pinot Noir grape. And like Pinot Noir, Graves says, "Why would you buy this cheap?" But do not fear, inexpensive versions of this fine grape wine do exist for your yearning pallet.
Taste and See
The best way to know wine is to taste it. In Kansas, the best way to do this is to go to a winery or to a wine tasting event.
Quinton's Bar and Deli, 615 Massachusetts St., hosts "Wine Night" every third Thursday of the month. You can sample five wines and get a full glass of your favorite for $10. This is a fairly good deal because they do feature higher quality wines other than house wines.
Bo Donora, Baldwin City senior, has participated in Wine Night at Quinton's. Although he cannot recall the wine he tasted, he says he remembers experiencing a "fun, energetic drunk" that night. He says it was that his first experience in wine tasting that that it would easily entice a normally non-wine drinker into becoming one. Like a majority of student wine drinkers, Donora is a Yellowtail fan.
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Wine bottles line a self under a wall of awards and medal at Holy-Field Winery outside of Bashor, Kan. just off of of highway 24-40. There are many wineries around Lawrence that can provide students a tasty alternative to purchasing common wines at liquor stores in town. Photos by Kit Leffler
The favorable flavorable
We know you're on a budget, so Cork and Barrel has compiled a list of some wines you might like in the $10 range.
Bede
Cabernet Sauvignon;
Guenoc California Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Ravenwood Vintners Blend California
Cebernel Sauvignon 2002
Merlot:
Bogle Vineyards California Merlot 2002
Hogue Columbia Valley Merlot 2002
Shiraz:
Jacobe Creek Shiraz Vintage 2002 Lindemans Reserve South Australian Shiraz 2002
Zinfandel:
Buena Vista California Zinfandel 2001
Rancho Zabaco Dancing Bull California
Zinfandel 2002
Pinot Noir:
Pepperwood Grove Pinot Noir 2002
Crosspoint Pinot Noir
Whites
Chardonnay:
Estancia Pinnacle Proprietor Grown Chardonnay 2002
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintners Reserve 2002
Sauvignon Blanc:
Blackstone Winery Sauvignon Blanc
2003
Guenoc California Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Riesling:
Chateau St. Michelle Columbia Valley Johannisberg Riesling
Schmitt Söhne Riesling 2002
Pinot Grigio:
Estancia Pinot Grigio
Meridian Vineyards California Pinot Grigio 2002