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Here are the best beginner wines to get you started on your wine journey. Scott Warman/Unsplash (CC0)
Starting out in the wonderful and ever-expanding world of wine can be a bit overwhelming. That’s because, for many, wine is an acquired taste, and the journey from being a beginner to a connoisseur can be long.
There are plenty of beginner wines that are considered great to kickstart your lifelong appreciation for this drink.
To help you out, here are the best wines for beginners this 2022 from some of the best online wine shops today.
2019 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noirdrizly.com
Bright and very flavorful, this Oregon pinot noir is neither too light nor too heavy, making it ideal for beginners who want to get into wine. It’s also fruit-forward with pleasant savory accents that are just the right amount of complexity. Made with whole-cluster fermentation, this wine is juicy, lively and fun.
If you want to taste a full-bodied red as your first, then the 2018 True Myth Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice. Made in the Paso Robles region, this powerful and dark wine features blackberry, blueberry and plum with some vanilla, spice and cola accents. Add some tannins for structure and you now have a satisfying beginner wine.
For some true Italian flavor, go for the 2019 Banfi Rosa Regale, which can be best described as fun and festive. That’s thanks to the brachetto red grapes, which have an attractive and elegant taste. It also has hints of candied fruit and fragrant flowers and is best enjoyed with rich and creamy dark chocolate treats.
One of the most underrated varieties ever, the 2019 Dr. Loose L Riesling is the perfect introductory white wine. Food-friendly and low in alcohol, this wine features ripe citrus, orchard and stone fruit to make it delightful to enjoy, whether on its own or paired with food.
A blend of the Estate and Terrazas de los Andes’ signature winemaking style, this layered, lively and elegant Reserve Malbec is grown from a high-altitude vineyard and showcases red and black fruit flavors for complexity. It also features gentle toasty notes from well-integrated oak before ending on a juicy finish.
California chardonnay is one of the most famous types of wine today. Rich and creamy, this wine will surprise you with a ton of fruit flavors, some tropical and some citrus. This wine sports a balanced mix of different fruits, making it a crowd favorite that both beginners and seasoned wine drinkers will enjoy.
If you’re looking for a beginner wine that is bold and serious, then The Fableist Zinfandel released in 2018 is the perfect wine for you. It uses American oak for a boost of vanilla and cocoa, while the jammy purple fruit flavor breaks the flavor. It's also plush and well-balanced, making it perfect to enjoy with meat-based dishes in the company of family and friends.
A full-bodied red wine with the distinct flavor of dark chocolate, blueberry and black tea, expect each sip to be opulent and luxuriously soft, making it ideal for beginners that are looking for something more complex. It contains a high amount of tannins making it the healthier option.
Made from the Penedes region, this light sparkling Spanish white wine features fresh notes of peaches, juicy grapefruit and crisp green apple. Fruity and floral, this underrated yet spectacular white wine is deliciously dry and makes for a great beginner wine.
Rosé is always a great option, so even beginners can’t go wrong with this 2020 Pratsch Rosé. Made from Zweigelt grape, which is known for its bright flavor, this high-value wine offers a vibrant acidity and a hint of hibiscus that results in a refreshing pink wine.
