Learning to like wine...

A Chenin Blanc from South Africa will suit what you are looking for

this is good, or a Pinot Grigio.  these are mellow and most go down easy. I am not a Chardonnay drinker either 

Just put in a Tesco order, to be delivered tomorrow, which included:

a South African Chenin Blanc
a South American Sauvignon Blanc
and a North American Chardonnay

we'll see how it goes.... 

That's the best way to figure out what you like, Q-G. Just try a bunch of different wines -- pretty soon you'll see a pattern and work out which ones make you happy!

Is there an Oddbins near you? I think they have wine tasting nights, that could be a good way to find out what you like without spending too much.

I just finished the Tesco S. African dry white.  VERY drinkable as an introductory wine.  And the price is right.

Is there an Oddbins near you? I think they have wine tasting nights, that could be a good way to find out what you like without spending too much.

Theres one near my work... maybe i will stop in sometime and see...

Is there an Oddbins near you? I think they have wine tasting nights, that could be a good way to find out what you like without spending too much.

I agree with Britwife.Odd bins does tastings on Saturdays.

I agree with Geetak. Absolutely the first thing that pops to mind when I hear the word "buttery" is Chardonnay. It's often described that way. I'm not a Chardonnay fan at all (sshhhh... don't tell Anne!), so it doesn't do it for me. I prefer a really nice crisp dry white or else a full heavy earthy red.

LOL! I HATE oaky Chardonnay. That's what gives it the buttery/creamy taste. So if that's what you're after either look for something that says it's been oaked/stored in oak barrels or that has malolactic fermentation (I'm a wine geek, what can I say?)

As for reds, you'd probably be safe with something like a Rioja - those are generally pretty rich and smooth.... I like big, meaty reds and lean toward Zinfandel (California), Malbec (Chile), or Primitivo (Italian - exactly the same grape as a zinfandel)..... Rioja or Tempranillo (same grape) or Cabernets are usually safe too.....

I'm a lover of oaky Chardonnays!  And yes, they can have a vanilla smooth taste.  But I like other wines as well...I'd go with the wine tasting idea or even just head to OddBins and let them know what you are looking for - they know their wines!

Just put in a Tesco order, to be delivered tomorrow, which included:

a South African Chenin Blanc
a South American Sauvignon Blanc
and a North American Chardonnay

we'll see how it goes.... 

I just ordered the SA Chenin Blanc from Tesco.  Let me know how you like it, my order isnt delivered until end of week

I never used to be a big fan of white wine but now love New Zealand wines, especially Oyster Bay's Sauv Blanc and anything from the Matua Valley. They are all really light and fruity.


Victoria

I just ordered the SA Chenin Blanc from Tesco.  Let me know how you like it, my order isnt delivered until end of week

I tried it tonight... hated it! 

I love Chardonnay and Cabernet Savignon.  In terms of Chardonnay, here I've had Lindeman's, which you can buy at Waitrose or Tesco.  In terms of Cabernet, I haven't tried any here.  In the past I've found that American or Australian wines are the ones I like best.   

I'm pregnant, so I have to live vicariously through you.  And tonight I would have LOVED a glass!!!!  Oh well...

Let us know if you find one/some you like.

If you can tolerate some ales, why not start making them?

You can control the amount of carbonation through the amount of sugar you add at the final stage.  Making beer is quite fun... and quite cheap (in Canada, anyways).  I don't like much carbonation, so I only use half the sugar at the carbonation stage.  You could probably cut it more; ask your local brewmaster.  The carbonation is quite different to mass-produced fizzy drinks, anyhow... smaller bubbles that dissipate faster.
Hoping to get back into homebrewing in the UK; mostly illegal in Japan.

If you just want something flat and not too alcoholic, is sangria OK?  Then you can buy cheap wine and flavour it with whatever fruit juice you like.

I have never met a cheap white I've liked.  Reds, I like the more powerful acidic ones, so I'm not a good source of info. for you.   I can't wait to try locally produced French reds!

I tried it tonight... hated it! 

What was it that you hated about it? Maybe, based on that, we can give you some other options.