Tips on Buying Good Wine for a Budget
Whether you're heading out to a party and want to bring a bottle of wine, are expecting guests for dinner or just want to treat yourself to something with a meal, it is possible to buy good wine on a budget. Buying a bad bottle of wine is disappointing, but less so when the wine cost $10 instead of $30. No matter what the occasion, if you are unfamiliar with wine purchasing, get a good reference book and bring it along with you on your shopping trip.
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Pick a Store
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If you don't purchase wine often, ask friends for a store recommendation or visit a few different ones. Many supermarkets have a comprehensive selection but not much knowledgeable help. Look for a store that has someone who can talk to you about the taste of the wine and its traditional accompaniments.
Buy in Bulk
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If you are approaching the holiday season and will be headed to many parties, or if you are purchasing for a party you're throwing yourself, consider buying a case of something you like. You can often get a discount of up to 15 percent when buying wine by the case.
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Browse
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Give yourself time to look around. While some sections might be well organized, you might find that wines from lesser-known locales are not. A good deal might be mixed in or around the corner on the endcap. Read the labels. If you have done some research, you might recognize a good wine importer.
Know What You Like
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Don't buy a wine just because it's a good deal or because it seems sophisticated. Buy something that has flavors you like. If you prefer a full-bodied, dry red, look for that. It will also help narrow your search parameters.
Don't Be Afraid of the Screw Cap
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According to "Food & Wine" magazine, the wine screw cap is no longer an indicator of a cheap or bad wine. "More and more excellent wines are being sealed with screw caps to prevent corkiness," writes Ray Isle, the magazine's wine editor. Screw-capped wines are also useful for parties because they open easily.
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References
- Photo Credit red wine poured into wine glass image by Allen Penton from Fotolia.com
