Hot Topic: Bargain Shopping Applies to Wine, Too
By Bryan Robbins, Cool Springs Wines & Spirits
Published in VIP Franklin Magazine, January 2007
It is always exciting to discover a great bottle of wine, but even more rewarding when you don’t have to give up your first-born child to buy it. A high score from a wine publication does not necessarily mean a particular wine is good value—or that it will suit your taste. Most people forget that there are great wines in every price range. To find great values, you need to be adventurous but you also need to recognize what you like.
What constitutes a good value wine? There is definitely a difference between cheap wine and inexpensive wine. Inexpensive wines are of good quality and provide a value to the consumer. They come from all over the world and they come in a variety of styles.
Some of the most sought after red wines on the market are the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet-based blends. These wines tend to be big, bold, complex and cellar-worthy. It is also one of the top varieties in two of the world's top regions – Bordeaux, France and Napa Valley, California. Wines from those regions tend to be expensive, but you can get lucky and discover some gems that are less pricey. Look to other regions such as Argentina, Australia, Washington State and California for the best values. Try Trapiche Broquel Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza, Argentina or Stephen Vincent Cabernet Sauvignon from California.
Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted grapes in the world and inexpensive offerings can be found in every growing region. Try Olivier Leflaive "Les Setilles" from the Burgundy region of France, Alice White Chardonnay from South Eastern Australia or Chateau St. Jean from California.
Merlot is still one of the best selling varietals, and while the movie Sideways did increase the sales of Pinot Noir, Merlot sales really haven't suffered. There are several Merlots that can be quite be impressive, including Santa Ema Reserve Merlot from Maipo Valley, Chile and Whitehall Lane Merlot from Napa Valley, California.
Italian wines can be expensive but Italy's heritage shows that wines can be made for all walks of life. The wines people usually think of are Pinot Grigio and Chianti. Try Kris Pinot Grigio from Delle Venezie, or Santi Solane Valpolicella Classico for a taste of the good life at down-to-earth prices.
France is synonymous with expensive wines – whether it is white or red – whether it is from Rhone, Champagne, Burgundy, or Bordeaux. Each region offers wines that are replicas of their more expensive wines. France's tradition has shown that wines can be savored and enjoyed by all wine lovers. Wines such as Chateau Pesquie Cotes-du-Ventoux from the Rhone Valley, Duval-Leroy NV Brut Champagne, Nicolas Potel Cuvee Gerard Potel Red Burgundy or Chateau Greysac from the Medoc in Bordeaux are all good examples of value wines from France.
Now that the holidays have passed, take the time to surf the shelves of your local wine and spirits store to find great values. Talk to the people that work there and get some recommendations based on your taste and preferences. There’s no doubt you'll discover some wonderful hidden gems that are a great value.