Blind Tasting for “Fruit Condition” – what does this mean?
In blind tasting, assess if the fruit flavors are ripe, tart, or dried to infer climate and region—cooler climates often yield tarter profiles.
What makes expensive wines different than inexpensive wines? That is the “million-dollar” question. (I get asked often!)
This month I lined up a $6 Shiraz vs a $50 Shiraz to point out some pretty common benchmarks (things to look out for) when tasting a ‘bargain’ wine vs a generally ‘pricey’ wine!
($60 might be ‘cheap’ for some, however, I picked these wines to be relatable and accessible)
Here are some things to look for when comparing:
🚫 1. SWEET wines don’t always = cheap wines
Some of the most sought-after, age-worthy, expensive wines are sweet!
$$$ Examples: Sauternes, Tokaji, German Riesling
What leads to this misconception is many bulk wines are made with lesser quality grapes that don’t have as much flavor concentration, so producers may add sweeteners such as RCGM (rectified concentrated grape must) to make the wine feel “fuller” and appear “richer”
🚫 2. SCREW CAP wines don’t always = cheap wines
There is a fair share of high-end screwcap bottles that are finally starting to circulate the globe and appear on restaurant lists!
$$$ Examples: Australian (Shiraz, Cabernet, Riesling), New Zealand Pinot Noir, German Riesling, Austrian wines
What leads to this misconception is the majority of cheap mass-produced wines that you will see in US grocery stores are often screwcap …which gives the illusion that all wines under screw cap must, in fact, be less quality
🚫 3. BLENDS don’t always = cheap wines
Blending varieties creates consistency and reliability which has led to some of the finest, balanced and most age-worthy wines in the world! Some famous regions in France such as Bordeaux produce blends almost exclusively!
$$$ Examples: Bordeaux, Rhone Valley, Tuscany (Super Tuscans), Rioja
What leads to this misconception is that in years past, “jug wines” made up a majority of blends sold in the U.S. giving the impression that most blends must be less quality
Even though many inexpensive wines are not typically age-worthy, they can STILL be quality for that particular style. The general pointers above don’t necessarily mean a wine is good or bad (that’s subjective)!
Keep buying what you like. I have plenty of inexpensive wines that I love!
My favorite value wines and regions include: Vinho Verde, Spanish white wines, Austrian reds like Blaufrankisch + Zweigelt, South African red blends, Italian Barbera + Dolcetto, + Cremant d’Alsace sparkling!
In blind tasting, assess if the fruit flavors are ripe, tart, or dried to infer climate and region—cooler climates often yield tarter profiles.
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