When things seem to get more expensive every year, it’s reassuring to see that there are still a wide selection of wines priced at under $10 per bottle. These wines can be paired with any meal, and once they’re in the glass, it’s hard to distinguish them from the more expensive stuff. Today’s wines are better than ever-;here are some tips on selecting a budget-friendly bottle.
Get More for Less
Several factors have helped “cheap” wine improve over the past few years. Wineries have been replanting better varieties of grapes, with the help of researchers. They’re also learning how to coax more flavor from every grape. Economics comes into play too; when wines are above a certain price point, wineries can afford to use better grapes.
However, while a trip to the Local Wine Store will reveal dozens of economical choices, it can be difficult to choose based on labeling. In terms of character and type, wines can be just as different as their labels. Below are a few suggestions on choosing a new favorite from Towne Cellars Wines & Liquors Inc.
Try a New Place
The easiest way to start is to select grapes you’re familiar with, but from a new country. Some of the best low-price wines have recently come from Argentina (famous for its Chardonnay), Chile (Merlot), Spain (known for Riojas), and South Africa (where Chenin Blanc reigns supreme).
Don’t be Afraid to Experiment
Try new grapes and wines before they become popular (and more expensive). If a person likes cabernet, Malbec may be a good substitute. Many think that a pink wine has to be sweet, so they pass over rows and rows of good rose wines, many of which are perfectly crisp and dry. Riesling is so underrated that prices remain very low for such an elegant wine.
Read the Label
It’s not always easy to judge a wine by its labeling, but sometimes a label can be telling. For instance, if the label is full of flowery pastels, it’s not likely to be dark and complicated. Similarly, a dark label with red lettering isn’t likely to be on a wine that’s light and sweet. While it’s very tempting to stick with what’s familiar, it’s OK to take a chance once in a while. With all the good, low-cost wines out there, the odds are great that there’ll be a new favorite on the shelf at the Local Wine Store.
