It can be quite challenging to find quality wine at a reasonable cost. This is because, more often than not, the cheap wines out in the market are more likely to be over-oaked, over-sugared, or simply taste bland. However, you need to keep in mind that you still can get your hands on a cheap but great bottle that is made with care and quality. In line with this, below are some of the ways on how you will be able to find and drink quality wine without breaking the bank.
Choose the Region the Wine Came From
One of the primary ways to find and drink quality wine without having to spend a lavish amount is by being selective of the region where the wine is manufactured. As much as possible, steer clear from going for cheap wines from expensive regions because there is a great chance that what you will get is a beverage that is full of sugar and minimal grapes. For instance, if you are holding a $10 bottle of wine manufactured from the Napa Valley, where the price of wines is usually at $20, then you should rethink your purchase.
It is a fact that the price of quality wines is higher in regions known to manufacture the best wines because you are paying for the brand name that the wine carries due to the location where it was made. Nevertheless, there are certain value regions such as Spain, Chile, or Portugal that produce the same quality wine for a cheaper cost because they don’t have the same level of economic prestige such as the expensive regions. For instance, if you are searching for a terrific bottle of red wine, go for those made from Washington state because they produce quality wines, too, even if they don’t have the same name recognition as the red wines produced in Napa Valley.
Aside from name recognition, the employment dynamics can also influence the price of wine in a region. For instance, the wines produced in Napa Valley tend to be more expensive because of the high cost of land, compared to the low vineyard cost in Argentina. Rest assured that you will be able to find an online wine shop that caters to wines from less popular regions. Nonetheless, it is in these regions where you will be able to get more value for your money when it comes to finding and drinking the best wine.
Try Obscure Grapes
Another way to find and drink quality wine without having to spend an enormous amount for a bottle is to try lesser-known grape varieties. Challenge yourself in discovering wines made from obscure grapes because in doing so, you might just find the quality wine that you are looking for at a reasonable cost. For instance, Gamay is comparatively obscure compared to the very famous Pinot Noir, but it may come as a surprise to you that their taste is closely similar.
On the other hand, if you are a beginner when it comes to wines, then you should welcome the idea of trying ones that you may not enjoy immediately. This is because if you don’t drink wine regularly, then there is a great chance that your palate will already be satisfied with the straightforward fruit flavors that inexpensive wines do offer. From there, work your way into exploring other wine varieties made from obscure grapes until you find a quality wine that suits your taste.
Go for White Wines
There is a greater chance for you to find quality white wine at a lower cost compared to a bottle of red wine. This is because white wines no longer need to be aged in an oak barrel or spend a long process in transforming grapes into wines. This reduces the production cost that is often added to the price that you have to pay for a bottle of wine. If you are looking for something light and refreshing, then white wine is the way to go.
Resist the Temptation of Buying in Bulk
Sometimes, it can be tempting to buy in bulk because of the promotion that often comes with the purchase. However, if you think that you are getting a great deal for a couple of liters of wine under $10, then you may be disappointed because either the wine that you purchase ends up tasting bland or over sugary. In this case, you should stick with a regular size bottle at its regular price because there is a greater chance for this to taste exceptional, allowing you to get what you pay for accordingly.
Avoid Last Call Bins
It is often the case that the wines in the last call bins are those that the distributor finds hard to sell. For this reason, there is a slim chance for you to find quality wines in these bins, which is why you should avoid them instead. If other people don’t find the types of wines in these bins worthy, then it is most likely that you won’t get to enjoy them either.
Find a Friendly Wine Guy
It always helps to consult with the “experts” when it comes to shopping and tasting quality wines. This means that finding the best wine at a reasonable cost will prove to be so much easier if you can find a store with friendly staff, which are not only interested in making a sale but educating you about wines too. In this way, they will be able to shed some ideas on which types of wine you should go for.
Drinking quality wine should not always be lucrative because while it can be challenging, there is always the chance for you to get your hands on a good find. Just remember the tips listed above, such as begin selective of the region or trying obscure grapes, as well as resisting the temptation of buying in bulk or avoiding last call bins. All these are geared towards ensuring that you get the chance to sip on a flavourful and quality wine without having to empty your pockets.
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