When I was younger, I always thought that my very own dad was the man solely responsible for coining the phrase: “You get what you pay for.” But, I have learned over the years of buying and consuming wine that sometimes you get what you pay for…and MORE! I have sampled many different varieties of wine over the last two decades and discovered that it does not have to be expensive to be good. Don’t get me wrong-- there are a slew of wines on the market that I wouldn’t wash my dog with, but there are also some very enjoyable, well-made wines at reasonable prices.
I have had many people ask me what makes wine expensive or not expensive. Many steps must be taken from the grape to the glass, and several different factors go into the production of wine. The number one factor that determines cost is the real estate. Prime vineyards in prime locations can be very costly to the vineyard owner and ultimately to you. Other factors include viticulture techniques, harvesting (hand harvesting versus mechanical harvesting), and methods of production, including fermentation and aging. To ferment or age wine in a brand new French oak barrel is much more expensive than throwing a bag of oak chips in the wine vat. Also, wine produced from ideal vineyards, in well-known regions from well-known, high priced grapes, like Napa Valley Chardonnay, will definitely command a higher price on the market.
When purchasing wine, the key to maintaining value without sacrificing taste is to seek out wines from lesser-known regions. For example, if you enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley, try one from Mendoza, Argentina or Coonawarra, Australia. You may find that it delivers all the valued characteristics that you love in Napa Cab for half the price. Other regions also produce value-based wine of good quality, including Côtes de Provence for good reds and rosés and Languedoc-Roussillon, including the regions of Fitou, Côtes du Roussillon, Corbières, and Minervois, for good red blends. If you like Rioja, try wines from Navarra. If you like Valpolicella, try a Bardolino.
Another excellent way to save money and discover new and exciting wines is to search for wines made from lesser-known grape varieties. If you enjoy full-bodied whites, try a Viognier from California, a Semillon from Australia, or a Roussanne/Marsanne blend from the Rhone.
If you enjoy lighter style whites, try Vinho Verde from Portugal, Chenin Blanc from South Africa, Muscadet from Loire Valley, or Tocai Friulano from Northern Italy. If you prefer red wine, try Dolcetto or Barbera from Piedmont, Cru Beaujolais from Burgundy, Carmenere from Chile, Malbec from Argentina, or a Grenache-Syrah blend from the Côtes du Rhone.
For day-to-day purchases, all of these wines represent good quality for the price.