SUB-ZERO WINE BLOG

There has never been a better time to be a wine consumer. There is a sea of wine from both classic and emerging regions that are full of flavor and light on the purse. Under $10 can get you some delicious "pop and pour instant gratification wines", while at the $20 - $30 price point, you open the door to some age worthy wines of the world. Whether you are seasoned wine drinker or a new enthusiast now is the time to put your wine dollars to work.

Why?

Two facts stack the consumer odds well in your favor.

1. Worldwide, wine quality is at an all time high.

2. Competition between wineries for your drinking dollar is fierce.

Here are a few tips to make your search even more fruitful.

Value Grapes

A wine's cost is often tied to the expense of the grapes involved. Rather than hopping on the ever-popular and more expensive Chardonnay and Cabernet bandwagon, consider other respected and undervalued varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Zinfandel and Syrah.

Off the Beaten Path

Instead of a more "prestigious" and expensive wine region, look to an appellation that is undervalued. For example, the quality of Pinot Noirs from Oregon and New Zealand is fantastic, (often rivaling the great Burgundy wines of France) and they can be had for a fraction of the price. Savvy enthusiasts continue to seek out these collectible wines.

Modest Appellation but Great Producer

Sort of like buying the best house in an undervalued neighborhood. Beyond the established wines from well-known regions lie a host of amazing wines that offer up loads of flavor and tremendous value. Example: France's Rhone Valley is known for the great and age worthy wines of Cote-Rotie, Hermitage and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but consider the wines of Saint-Joseph, Gigondas and Crozes-Hermitage. You can experience the "roar of the Rhone" at a reasonable price.

Sparkling and Sweet

Don't overlook the stepchildren of the wine category. Sparkling and dessert wines. These bookends of the wine world remain one of the most under appreciated wine categories and are perfect additions to an evening of entertaining. While some versions command hefty price tags, there are areas of the world that continue to deliver loads of flavor, and value.

And remember – with very few exceptions there is no need to buy a case before you’ve tried a bottle!