Thursday, January 1, 2009

Bargain Wines—As Close As The Local Grocery

Talking about wine is one of my favorite pastimes.  Bargain-hunting is another passion, but what I really love is when I get to do both.
It is a myth that good wine costs a lot.  It is certainly easier to find spectacular wine for $30, but there are real stinkers in that price range, too. Meanwhile, real treasures may be on the next shelf over for half the price. To help you get started on your treasure hunt, let’s talk about what makes a bargain wine.
First, a bargain wine is simply one that tastes great for the money.  That means that the first step to finding a bargain is finding something that you like.  How?  Ask yourself some general questions about your preferences: Do you prefer red or white?  Sweet or dry?  Powerful or subtle?  Fruity or earthy? Do you want to taste herbs?  Do you want to taste spice?  There are no “right” answers.