How to buy well, without getting a
headache from the price tag
A confession: I work in the wine industry,
and I’m sick of drinking shit wine. So are my friends. And, I bet, so are you.
Not many people can afford to blow $47 on a bottle (even after payday), and
spending a fiver shouldn’t be a risk, or limit you to what’s half price what
week. But you can drink better wine without breaking the bank. Step one: forget
everything you think is true…
You probably do like Chardonnay
It’s got a bad rep for being too ‘oaky’ and
the color of horse urine, and when people ask me for advice, 60% say ABC
(Anything But Chardonnay). But it’s a brilliant food wine, as it’ s rich and
has the weight to stand up to full flavored dishes. Risotto, creamy pasta and
roast chicken are great matches; try a Chablis (that’s Chardonnay, too) with
grilled fish. Love Champagne? Chardonnay is one of the main grape varieties
used. See? Not so bad after all. Try this Errazuriz Chardonnay, $8.79, Tesco.
A $5 bottle can work
I sample fairly pricy wines at work, but be
under no illusion that my everyday wine is of that calibre. I’m always hunting
for decent bottles for a fiver, and they do exist. If you’re a fan of dry
white, look for Vinho Verde a crisp Portuguese with a natural spritz. It’s
perfect for sunny afternoons. If you want rose, you can tell how sweet or dry
it is by the color. If it’s dark and pink, it’s sweeter. The paler it is, the
drier. For red, a top-value pick is a Chilean Carménère: rich with a smoky
vanilla edge. Three $5 fail-safes: South Afican Chenin Blanc, $3.79,
Sainsbury’s; Château Mont Milan Rose, $5.49, Majestic Wine; The Whale Caller
Shiraz/Cabernet, $4.74, Waitrose.
Don’t ignore these names
Faced with 300 bottles on a shelf, it’s
easy to grab a familiar name and bolt. But don’t miss out. A white with lots of
good press recently is Picpoul. From Southern France, it tastes of lemons and
green apples, and is a great alternative to Pinot Grigio. Italian Sangiovese
and Montepulciano are cheap ’n ’cheerful reds that go brilliantly with any
tomato-based food. You might know Sancerre or Pouilly-Fume, but Gewurztraminer
often baffles people. It’s also a Sauvignon, but a little sweeter have it with
Thai takeaway. Try this: Cave de Turckheim Gewurztraminer, $9.49, Waitrose.
Montepulciano
d'Abruzzo
Around the world in wine
Don’t know where does what? Now you do!
New Zealand:
Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are winners: fruity, fresh and well priced.
France:
Southern French is better value. For red, try Corbieres for white, a Viognier.
Australia:
Once nicknamed ‘headach wine’ (too much oak and a high alcohol content),
Australian wines are now a lot more refined. Match a Riesling with fish, or a
Cabernet Sauvignon with strak.
Italy: Pinot
Grigio isn’t the only Italian wine! Try a Gavi or Vermentino for lots of
delicious fruit flavours
