Laurie Forster, a.k.a., The Wine Coach, offers some ideas for budget sipping this season. Here are four ways to raise a glass and celebrate the season for less.
1. Go exploring
• For great value wines, Forster suggests exploring bottles from lesser known
regions. For example, Italian wine fans might want to buck the
Barolos of Piedmont and try a Gattinara instead. Gattinara is found in a
more northern section of Piedmont but uses the same trademark grape of
Barolo Nebbiolo. Spanish wines still offer great value, and are becoming
increasingly popular in the U.S.; Forster recommends trying a juicy
Monastrell from Jumilla, Spain, which remains an affordable alternative to
big reds from California and France.
2. Variety is the spice of wine
• Venture into unfamiliar territory by sampling new grape varieties.
Hundreds exist, and many times, the lesser known grape varieties provide
the best bargains. White wine enthusiasts might want to look for Gruner
Veltliner from Austria or Torrontes from Argentina; red wine lovers might
opt for Nero d’Avola from Sicily or the medium-bodied Chilean
Carmenère.
3. Buy quantity and quality at the same time
• To get the best prices, Forster suggests buying wines by the case. Not only
does it save money on the wine, it also saves on gas, cutting out multiple
trips to the wine store. Some wine stores offer 10%-15% (or more)
discounts on wines by the case to regular customers.
4. Taste lots of wine
• Become familiar with your preferences. Many wine stores conduct free
tastings frequently, and use every opportunity to introduce yourself to all
kinds of wine so you don’t waste money on something that doesn’t suit
you.
