In this post I will first talk a little bit about “wine etiquette”, then I will focus on affordable wines for the rest of it. So, when you order a bottle of wine at a restaurant and the wine steward (or sommelier, if they have one) approaches you with the bottle, what should you do? First, they should “present” you with the bottle. Check the label, make sure it is what you ordered, focusing on varietal, vintner (winery), and vintage (year). I like to call these the 3 V’s. If they made a mistake, it’s OK to send it back! Pay particular attention to the date. Don’t pay a premium price for an “older” wine that you did not get. Second, they will open the bottle & hand you the cork. Check the bottom & make sure that it is moist. Third, they will pour a small amount. Swirl it a few times, sniff; then swirl it again & take a sip. Don’t spend more than a minute or so doing this – you’re not a sommelier at a professional wine tasting! Once it smells & tastes OK, let the steward know. They will then pour wine for everyone else & top off your glass.
As far as descent quality “affordable” wines, where should you look (in general)? For reds, Washington State, Chile, and Argentina are good bets. Certain areas of Spain, Australia, and South America also consistently produce quality, affordable wines. But, you need to make sure you are in the right area! In Italy, try Campania and Sicily for reds. In France, most of Southern Rhone is affordable (outside of Chateauneuf-du-Pape) as are many parts of Bordeaux (if you know where to look). In California, Rhone style reds & Pinot Noirs are also usually decent quality and affordable. For whites, ALL Sauvignon Blancs are affordable (but New Zealand is still the best). Most California Chardonnays and Italian Verdicchios (from the Marche region) are also affordable; as are French whites from the Loire Valley (especially Upper Loire) and from Alsance. Some German and ALL NY Finger Lake Reislings are affordable. You just have to know where to look for the good ones! Finally, don’t forget the Spanish Albarinos – excellent seafood wine at an affordable price.
For specific examples of excellent, affordable wine, look no further than Wine Spectator’s (WS) list of top value wines for 2023. Each scored “90 points or higher, cost $40.00 or less, and were made in large-enough quantities to be widely available” (WS).
#1 – La Crema/ Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2021/ 91 points/ $28.00
#2 – Vasse Felix/ Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Filius 2021/ 93 points/ $28.00
#3 – Rapaura Springs/ Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Reserve 2022/ 93 points/ $19.00
#4 – The Four Graces/ Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2021/ 92 points/ $30.00
#5 – Castello di Volpaia/ Chianti Classico 2021/ 92 points/ $30.00
#6 – Nicolas Feuillatte/ Burt Champagne Reserve Exclusive NV/ 91 points/ $39.00
#7 – Diatom/ Chardonnay Santa Barbera County 2022/ 92 points/ $23.00
#8 – Volver/ Alicante Tamara Hills Old Vines 2020/ 91 points/ $20.00
#9 – Saint Cosme/ Cotes-du-Rhone 2022/ 90 points/ $21.00
#10 – Tapiz/ Malbec Uco Valley Alta Collection San Pablo Vineyard 2021/ 90 points/ $19.00
That should do it for this one. Next time will be my first Food & Wine Dessert Blog. Yummy!