As we continue into the heart of a recession, many people are sacrificing their habits from the past. Those that used to drop $20+ on a bottle of wine and not even think twice about it are in a different position now. People are looking for a bargain but don't necessarily want to give up the quality they are used to. My advice for the recession driven consumer....
How to Find a Quality Bottle of Wine for Under $20
Look on the label and figure out where the wine is from. Generally speaking, the more specific the region the better. For instance, on a wine that says 'California' vs. 'Napa Valley', you should expect the Napa wine to be better. The reasoning is as follows... a wine that claims a specific area must have a very high percentage of the grapes from that region. Napa is a designated appellation where a certain quality level has been established and greater attention is given. If it simply just reads 'California', those grapes can come from anywhere in the state. A few regions/designations that generally signify quality...
- France. AOC designated on the label. (Appellation Controlee). Bordeaux makes wonderful Cab and Merlot blends and the Rhone Valley makes spectacular Syrah and Grenache based wines.
Recommendation: Sancet white table wine. Bordeaux style blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Retails at about $10.
- Italy. DOC/DOCG or IGT designated on label.
Recommendation: Andrea Oberto Dolcetto d'Alba. From Alba in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. Easy drinking red that tastes great at a young age.
- Germany. Known for Riesling and its different levels. Kabinett, Spatlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese... Eiswein. Kabinett is the lowest level and the further you go toward Eiswein the price/quality gets greater. Each level represents a different time of harvest. From Kabinett to Eiswein, the grapes are held on the vine longer producing less crop and riper/sweeter grapes.
Recommendation: Mertes Kabinett, Spatlese, or Auslese
- Spain. DO designation generally means higher quality. 'Joven', 'Roble', and 'Crianza' signify aging with Joven being the youngest. The longer the wine is aged, the more complex it will become. Spain has been making some wonderful improvements in the last decade and is still very affordable. Don't be afraid to try new varietals. Verdejo and Albarino grapes make wonderful white wines. Many of the red grape varietals are clones of tempranillo and have garnacha in the blend. Quick tip...these reds can be overpowering unless decanted first.
- California. Napa, Mendocino County, Sonoma County. For comparable value at a lesser price I advise branching out to areas like Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Central Coast, and Paso Robles.
Recommendation: Forth Histoire Cabernet Sauvignon
- Australia. Generally makes satisfactory Shiraz for all consumers. Many of the wines from South Australia and Barossa get ratings in the high 80s from Wine Spectator and Robert Parker.
Recommendation: First Drop 'The Red One' - blend of Shiraz, Cab, and Barbera 89 pts.
-New Zealand. Marlborough has been making excellent Sauvignon Blanc.
Recommendation: Arona Sauvignon Blanc 89 pts.
-Chile. Casablanca Valley, Elqui Valley, Maipo are all great regions to look for. Many of these wines are extremely affordable and get ratings in the high 80s.
Recommendation: Rayun Carmenere or Chono Elqui Syrah
-Argentina. Mendoza is king! Malbec is always a winner but they have been doing wonders with varietals like Pinot Noir, Torrontes, and even Sangiovese!
Recommendation: Alfredo Roca Pinot Noir or Notro Sangiovese Bonarda
Last thought.... specific wine regions on labels are crucial. Wines rated in the high 80s are generally still wonderful to drink now and much less $$. Go out and be adventurous!
All of the recommendations listed are under $20 and are fabulous!
