Red wine always numbs my tongue

[FlightlessDuck]

Hey, wine drinkers!

Since becoming an adult, I've tried to explore different wines. I am mostly a beer and spirits drinker, but sometimes I want to be a little more sophisticated.

I love white wine, but I have yet to find a red wine that doesn't numb my tongue. Sweet red wines don't bother me (communion wine or sangria, for example), but I have a hard time basically enjoying any other type of red wine because I can't taste anything! Has anyone heard of this? Is this a bad reaction to tannins or something?

 

[threeboysmom]

Yes, I think it's the tannins coating your tongue/mouth. I don't like red wine for that reason.

The only one that is bearable for me is a Pinot Noir. Give that grape a try.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Yes, I think it's the tannins coating your tongue/mouth. I don't like red wine for that reason.

Yay! I'm not crazy!

OK... maybe I am, but not because I can' taste red wine.

 

[Hillbeans]

Hey, wine drinkers!

Since becoming an adult, I've tried to explore different wines. I am mostly a beer and spirits drinker, but sometimes I want to be a little more sophisticated.

I love white wine, but I have yet to find a red wine that doesn't numb my tongue. Sweet red wines don't bother me (communion wine or sangria, for example), but I have a hard time basically enjoying any other type of red wine because I can't taste anything! Has anyone heard of this? Is this a bad reaction to tannins or something?

You're in NE PA? Lots of local wineries grow and produce a Chambourcin grape that makes a nice red wine. Maybe give that kind a try?

 

[Micca]

I too prefer beer/spirits but if I'm going to drink wine, I prefer red wine. Alcohol does have a numbing effect, maybe it's just starting with your tongue?

 

[minnie mum]

Try drinking it out of a glass? Getting your tongue stuck in the bottle will numb it every time.

 

[lauradis]

maybe this
http://www.winespectator.com/drvinny/show/id/5325

http://winefolly.com/review/wine-characteristics/

any ways its more then likely this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOe146wpTOA

 

[kaytieeldr]

Try drinking it out of a glass? Getting your tongue stuck in the bottle will numb it every time.

You thsink thass why people can' unnersthan' wha I'm sthayin'? Sthanks!

 

[John VN]

maybe this
http://www.winespectator.com/drvinny/show/id/5325

http://winefolly.com/review/wine-characteristics/

any ways its more then likely this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOe146wpTOA

+1 and thanks for the video. Haven't heard it in a LONG time.

I would suggest some not too expensive CA. red organic wine with no sulfites. 13% alcohol or more but very pleasing and I suffer no ills like I do with others.

 

[AndreaDM]

Are you allergic to anything? I'm allergic to cinnamon which is in more red wines than you'd think! I don't get a numb tongue though, but break out in hives if I drink it.

 

[Dancind]

Yeah, allergies, probably to one of the chemical additives. Try something that isn't a "grocery store wine", mass produced and distributed. Something from a small winery maybe. Can be had for under $20, but not as cheap as the cheap stuff.

 

[GAN]

Are you allergic to anything? I'm allergic to cinnamon which is in more red wines than you'd think! I don't get a numb tongue though, but break out in hives if I drink it.

What? I've tried ALOT of red wine but never with any cinnamon "in" it. You may get hint of cinnamon when tasting, but that isn't from the spice, it would be a result of the process -either the grape itself, the terroir, or the barrel. If you're actually allergic to cinnamon it shouldn't be an issue ....unless just the smell of it causes a reaction in you. But even still, cinnamon isn't a very common taste in red wine unless your drinking sangria or mulled.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Red makes my legs all jittery. DH is allergic to reds he breaks out in hives.

 

[SamRoc]

I got a very bad allergic reaction to sulfites in red wine and champagne. hives, jittery and it was hard to breathe! they do make alot of sulfite free wines now, but i'm really afraid to try any of them after that.

 

[MOpGrad2013]

The allergy idea is possible.

I have this same issue with the drier wines; both white and red. It depends on the vineyard/winery.

I have found that wines mixed with fruits--cue the Strawberry Wine song-- are much easier for me. They don't sound as sophisticated, but it is good to drink.

My family really enjoys the wines from St James Winery (Missouri). Last night, we had a bottle of their Country White last night. It's a semi-sweet.

Another wine that we enjoy is Chateau St Michelle Riesling. They are from Washington.

I hope you get a chance to find out what is going on, but if you can't it's ok. As I tell my kids, "being a grown up means you get to eat and drink what you want."

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Yeah, allergies, probably to one of the chemical additives. Try something that isn't a "grocery store wine", mass produced and distributed. Something from a small winery maybe. Can be had for under $20, but not as cheap as the cheap stuff.

I always get wine by the glass in restaurants. I'm not spending money on a bottle of stuff and keeping it at home if I don't like it.

 

[Maggie Lizer]

I don't know if you are having a bad reaction to tannins or not, but I personally do not like wines with a lot of tannins. Makes my mouth feel all weird and dried out. I have found some Malbecs with softer tannins and some Old Vine Zinfandels that I enjoy. I tend to stay away from Cabs and Shiraz.

 

[NewRVLady]

Try a Pinot Noir-it is the lightest of the reds
At restaurants it tends to be pricey

I love LaCrema
(But its in the $20-23 range)

However -Firesteed makes a decent one that I drink a lot-usually $11-14

http://www.firesteed.com/our-wines/firesteed-oregon/pinot-noir/

 

[Handbag Lady]

Am I evil and horrible because I'll I'm now thinking is MORE FOR ME!!!!!

 

[SnarkyMonkey]

I doubt it's an allergy. More likely a sensitivity. It could very well be to sulphites. That's actually quite common.