A matter of taste: how to choose a good and inexpensive wine? The most delicious wines.

Just choosing and buying a bottle of expensive wine is not all that is needed for a meal. It is important to know with what dishes this exquisite drink should be served.

Wine selection

Many people know little about wines, for example, only their varieties: sweet wine , semi-sweet, dry, white and red. For the average consumer, this knowledge is enough. But in life, every person has situations when he is faced with the choice of a drink of excellent quality, which will be the perfect addition to the festive table.

Varieties of the drink

All wines are very different, often depending on what source material was used in their preparation. In the case of wines, the grape variety used by the producers when creating the wine, in what soil these grapes grew, matters. After all, only with experience a person becomes wiser and, on his mistakes, is able to create truly great and valued objects.

According to the aging time, the wine can be young, unaged or, conversely, aged. It is generally accepted that wine older than seventy years old loses its value. However, if we rely on the words of Parker, criticism of wines, then such wines are the most valuable and are of great benefit to the body.

Wine classification

Based on Russian standards, according to the amount of sugar and ethyl alcohol, wines are divided into:

Table, natural wines;

Special wines (sweet wine , dessert, semi-dessert, strong and liquor);

Flavored wines;

Sparkling wines that are filled with carbon dioxide during their re-fermentation.

The most famous sparkling white sweet wine in the world is, of course, Champagne.

Factors to consider when choosing a drink

When choosing wine in a store, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

1. You need to buy only dry or sweet wine in the store, as semi-sweet wines can also be sold in Russia and neighboring countries, but they are of poor quality.

They are often topped with low-grade wine materials. Semi-sweet wines contain more preservatives than sweet ones. In dry wines, the fermentation process is slowed down due to the low sugar content, and sweet wine, on the contrary, with the help of sugar, which acts as a natural means of fermentation, this process does not slow down.

If the buyer decides to purchase a bottle of semi-sweet wine for his festive table, he automatically agrees to pour a large amount of preservatives and chemical additives into his body.

2. Pay attention to the manufacturer. All self-respecting companies want their brand to be recognizable. To do this, they place the name of their company on the label large and clearly so that people can read it without difficulty.

3. Another important point is the year of harvest. Each wine label must be located when the crop was harvested. In the case when there is no such information, it is worth considering whether this bottle is a preservative.

4. Grape variety. Many wines are made by blending several grape varieties, in which case the producer must indicate on the label which varieties were blended.

On the shelves in stores you can only find wines from mixed grape varieties, since wines from one grape variety are expensive and are not sold in ordinary stores.

French wines may be an exception to the rule. Producers in France may not specify grape varieties, as this process is monitored strictly on a regional basis. White sweet wines are excellent from French producers.

5. Container and cork. It is best to buy wine in a bottle or barrel. Wines sold in cardboard boxes can be used in cooking. If the manufacturer decided to save on packaging, it means that his wine is of poor quality.

6. The price of the drink. It must be remembered that all high-quality goods are expensive. In no case should you buy wine at a low price. The best wines are sold at the best prices.

Where to buy wine

Choosing a place to buy a bottle of wine depends on many factors: for whom it is bought, for what event, how much time is available to choose from and, of course, what kind of finances the buyer has.

If you need to buy a bottle of wine for a family dinner, there is not much time, and finances do not allow you to buy expensive wine, then you can visit a supermarket and buy wine using the above principles.

If you want to present wine as a gift or just want to enjoy delicious wine, you need to visit specialized wine boutiques. The best wines presented in them are always of high quality.

In the event that you have a controversial issue regarding the manufacturer or quality, sales consultants will offer their assistance. In the boutique you can buy both cheap wine and expensive, higher quality wine. sweet will be an excellent purchase made in a boutique, because here you will be advised and offered a large assortment of such wines. There are also boutiques where a small restaurant is created. In it, the buyer gets the opportunity to taste the wine, combine it with certain dishes and make the final decision.

And the nicest place is the restaurant where you can taste the best wines. It also happens that low-quality wine in a restaurant is presented at a huge price, because the margin is from forty to two hundred percent. But do not forget that everything depends on the restaurant, and you should not completely trust the taste of the waiter.

When purchasing the best wines, do so while traveling whenever possible. After all, where, if not in the homeland of wine, you can buy the highest quality drink. Just do not miss the moment that there are restrictions on the import of alcohol into the country.

What is wine

Wine is primarily an alcoholic beverage that is obtained from the natural fermentation of grape juice. Most often, wines are made from grape juice, it can be of different varieties.

In the production of wines, grapes are most often divided into two groups: white and black, sometimes it is called red. By color fullness, it can be white, red, rose wine.

Where is the wine produced

Wine is produced in many European countries. But the leaders in the wine business were France, Italy and Spain. Each nationality has its own types of this alcoholic drink. For each of them, there are specially selected dishes that, in a duet, show their taste qualities better. The sparkling white sweet of which Carlo Rossi glorified the United States of America, namely California. This is one of the worthy representatives of white wine of its kind. Germany becomes the leader in export.

The best combinations

Red sweet wine is great if the menu includes roast or chicken with pasta. Red wine will be a great addition to burgers and steaks. Red sweet wine is very popular and has a wide variety ranging from bright "pinot grigio" to fruity "pinotage".

A great option when sweet red wine is served with dessert. For example, red sweet wine "Vintage Port". You will definitely appreciate the taste of this drink.

White sweet wines are good to savor on the background of light meals, which include chicken and salad, fish, and veal.

Wine etiquette

But to buy a good bottle of wine, to do it in all respects, is far from all that is needed for a meal. After all, true connoisseurs of wine know that wine notes can best be felt in a certain type of glass. And in order for the process of savoring wine to take place at a high level, a special wine etiquette was invented. Under this etiquette it is customary to consider the rules for combining wine and dishes, as well as the rules for serving wine.

And what is the process worth When color, texture, aroma, taste and individual aftertaste come to the fore. Only true experts in their field do an excellent job with the tasting process.

With the current exchange rate and ever-increasing alcohol excises, 500 rubles per bottle of wine has become a psychological limit, below which many are simply afraid to go. However, we are convinced that there is life there too! Finding cheap and good wine on the shelves of our stores is not an easy task. The risk of running into “shmurdyak”, as sommeliers call low-quality drinks, is great. But there are a few rules, following which, you can make the right choice.

IN priority - South Africa, Chile, Argentina. Wine production in these countries is cheaper than in the whole world. And its quality most often varies from "not bad" to "excellent".

If you are still used to European wine, then pay attention to Portugal and Spain. From all over France, look only towards the Languedoc-Roussillon, and in Italy, the southern regions and northern Veneto can please.

When choosing wine under 500 rubles, forget about the existence of Bordeaux, Chianti, Rioja, Chablis and other popular geographical names.

There is no need to be afraid of Russian wine. This may be news to some, but domestic winemakers have made a real breakthrough in recent years. Fanagoria, Chateau Tamagne, Lefkadia, Solnechnaya Dolina and others have excellent "supermarket" positions.

Look at the year of harvest. The closer it is to the date of purchase, the better. Wines in this price range are light and generally un-aged in oak barrels. You need to drink them as soon as possible after bottling.

Promotions and discounts are your best friends. Pay attention to the "yellow price tags" and other special offers and try wines of a higher level.

To make your life easier, guided by the recommendations of Yekaterinburg sommeliers, we have selected several pleasant wines with a modest budget.

Cono Sur Tocornal Sauvignon Blanc

Why: Chile is a country with an ideal climate for wine production. The local Sauvignon Blanc has a clean and bright fruity-herbaceous aroma. Cono Sur is one of the biggest names in quality Chilean winemaking. The wine is semi-dry, so it is perfect for neophytes. And finally, all this happiness can be bought for more than reasonable money.

Reason: to go to the parents to the country.
Price: 399 rubles for a promotion in the Hyperbola hypermarket.

Spumante Paolo Morini Brut

Why: Spring is a state of mind, not a weather forecast. And if you want light and airy, then you can’t deny yourself! These magical bubbles come from the Italian

Emilia-Romagna is created to give floral tenderness and tropical freshness. Sparkling wine is not an obligatory attribute of a celebration, but a holiday that is always with you.

Reason: buy a new dress or dream about it.

Price: 450 rubles at Solovyov's Vinoteka on Krasnoarmeyskaya, 8.

Winery Jubilee Merlot Premium

Why: One of the newest and most interesting projects in Russian winemaking. 2500 hectares of own vineyards on the Taman Peninsula, modern equipment and ambitious development plans. "Yubileynaya" produces a large number of different wines, try everything you will find. Their Merlot is drinkable and self-sufficient, with aromas of tobacco leaf and blackcurrant and a cherry pit in the aftertaste.

Reason: to reconcile a liberal with a statesman.

Price: 413 rubles in the Hyperbola hypermarket.

Fat Barrel Barrelman's: Blend Magoppie's Mischief and The Farmer's Daughter

Why: Conceptual love story of a young rake-winemaker and a beautiful farmer's daughter, told by aromas and tastes. These South African lovebirds are simply made for large and noisy companies, where "Amur flaps its wings nearby." An ideal banquet and buffet option: it’s pleasant to drink, and it won’t distract from the essence.

Occasion: decorate the wedding table.

Price: 450 and 506 rubles in Magnum alcohol stores.

The Grinder Chenin Blanc

Why: The rarest case in the world of wine when the contents can already be judged by the label. A captivating mix of guava, peach, green apple and pineapple aromas with a slight minerality on the palate. A reference New World Chenin Blanc that wants to please everyone, and especially those who are tired of Chardonnay and Sauvignon and are eager to discover.

Reason: go on a blind date.
Price: 459 rubles for a promotion in the Hyperbola hypermarket.

Velata Merseguera Sauvignon Blanc

Why: A large Spanish company, Vicente Gandia, who made this wine, from year to year takes positions in the rankings of the best producers in Europe. "High quality at a ridiculous price" is her middle name. The lightest white with the aroma of ripe overseas fruits and Ural gooseberries.

Reason: to occupy yourself while waiting for guests.

Price: 460 rubles at Solovyov's Wine Collection.

Tola Nero d'Avola Sicilia

Why: Sicily, like the rest of Southern Italy, has a good price / quality ratio. Nero d'Avola, the main red variety of the island, produces wines that are soft and fruity, with low levels of acidity. These can be enjoyed without food. Despite the modest price tag four years ago, this wine received a recommendation from the influential British publication Decanter.

Reason: to play Mafia with friends, to review The Godfather.

Price: 462 rubles in Magnum alcohol stores.

Bosco della Villa Cabernet Sauvignon

Why: A wine that has outgrown its level. The red king of Cabernet Sauvignon under the mask of the Venice Carnival. Without muscular astringency and cloying tones of blackcurrant - the severity of northern berries and complete harmony of flavor with taste. Surprisingly "wise" wine for its lightness.

Reason: Talk to your boss about a promotion.

Price: 490 rubles at Solovyov's Wine Collection.

When laying a festive table for guests, you want to decorate it with fine wine with a delicate, refined aroma. The host of the feast invariably faces the question: how to choose a wine worthy of dear guests? To answer, you must have at least a minimum of knowledge about the classification of wines, their properties, characteristics, compatibility with certain dishes.

The main thing is to follow the rule when setting the table: less is better, but of higher quality.

The entire range of wines is divided into two large parts:

still wines "table and fortified";
saturated with carbon dioxide "and sparkling".

Calm wine according to the degree of exposure is:

young;
vintage;
collectible.

Young wine is sold in the distribution network immediately after maturation. It has a weak strength and aroma of a bouquet belonging to the grape variety. Young wine has many fans among people of different age categories.

For vintage wine grown special varieties of grapes. The brand of wine depends on the time of maturation of the wine. According to the existing standards of winemaking for wine of this category, aging is required in the range from one to six years. Vintage wines stored for more than 6 years are considered collectible.

Table wines are made from natural juice obtained after pressing grapes.

The production of table wine completely eliminates the addition of alcohol. The amount of sugar in the wine of this variety is different: from complete absence to a certain percentage. The sugar in table wine is the product of an incomplete fermentation stopped at a certain stage.

The quantitative residue of sugar in table wine serves as the basis for dividing this variety into the following types:

Dry;
Semi-dry;
Semi-sweet.

The color of the wine is determined by the variety of grape raw materials used for its production. Distinguish between white wine and red wine.

Dry white wine is characterized by a small strength of about 11% vol. Light sourness, pleasant, mild taste goes well with fish dishes, cold appetizers, fruits and cheese.

Dry red wine has shades from pink to rich cherry color, tart taste with a bouquet of grapes ripened in the area where the drink is produced. Compared to white, red wine has less acidity and more strength. Dry red wine is served with hot fried or baked meat.

Semi-sweet and semi-dry wines are obtained by incomplete fermentation of dry wines, leaving a certain amount of grape sugar. These drinks are friendly with meat, fish, vegetable dishes. They have a short shelf life in uncorked containers.

Fortified wines are made by fermenting grape must. The fermentation process is stopped and stabilized by the addition of alcohol. Wine contains residual sugar, the percentage of which depends on the stage of stoppage of fermentation. Alcohol additives increase the shelf life of fortified wine. The name of the wine is associated with an increased strength from 17 to 20% vol.

Fortified wine is usually consumed before dinner in small portions, sweet wines can be served as a dessert.

Famous representatives of strong wines: Madeira, port, sherry. Pairs well with hot first courses.

A large group is made up of dessert wines: Muscat, Cahors, Tokay. Used in the dessert part of the meal. The sweetest of this group are liqueurs.

Champagne wine is obtained by secondary fermentation with saturation with carbon dioxide and storage in bottles under pressure. Champagne is the wine of holidays and celebrations. It is served in tall transparent wine glasses to highlight the beauty of color and the play of gas bubbles. The wine seems to be playing. It has a light, pleasant taste; when poured, it forms a lush, beautiful foam. The taste of any wine varies significantly with the serving temperature. For red table and strong wines, the best temperature will be 16-18 degrees, The delicate taste of dry white wines will be emphasized by cooling to 12 degrees, champagne will sparkle at 10 degrees.

The gaze of many scientists and researchers is riveted to wine. From a scientific point of view, its beneficial properties and impact on human life and health are being studied. There is a heated debate about which wine is healthier: white or red? Wine, in fact, is a complex organic substance resulting from the fermentation of grape juice. The composition of this ancient drink, in addition to water, includes a huge amount of chemicals and elements: ethyl alcohol, grape and fruit sugar, vegetable glycosides "anthocyanins", useful acids, tannins, vitamins and trace elements.

The only thing that all researchers agree on is that wine has a healing effect on the body only with moderate consumption. If you consume no more than 100 grams of red wine daily, a positive trend is observed in a person’s condition: blood pressure decreases, toxins are removed from the body, blood vessels are cleansed, and the risk of developing diseases such as heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis is reduced. Recently, opinions have been expressed that red and white wine are practically equivalent in terms of usefulness.

Red wine owes its color to grape varieties with dark skins and hearts. The composition of wine includes such useful coloring substances as anthocyanins. They give the wine a noble color, rich taste and delicate aroma. Red wine has a relaxing effect.

Many health institutions practice the use of moderate doses of red wine in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system and cardiac pathology, relieving depression.

There is an opinion that red wine protects against the effects of radiation and solar radiation.

Which red wine to choose

Which red wine to choose: dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, fortified?

The listed varieties differ primarily in the content of sugar and alcohol. Dry red wine of a full fermentation cycle contains almost no sugar "0.3%", and alcohol is a product of natural grape fermentation. In semi-dry and semi-sweet wines, residual sugar is present due to the interruption of the fermentation process. Preservatives are added to these wines to extend the shelf life, which does not make them 100% healthy.

Fortified wine contains rectified alcohol, has a high strength, it is recommended to use it in limited quantities.

Dessert varieties of red wine or liqueurs are preferable to semi-dry and semi-sweet, so special chemical methods are not used for their preservation. Conventional wisdom dictates that dry red wine is the healthiest and most natural.

Now about the age of red wine and its usefulness in this regard. It has been established that the age of the wine does not affect its healing properties, but only changes its taste characteristics. According to the content of vitamins and nutrients, young, unaged wines are more useful than aged vintage ones.

Dry wines that do not contain sugar are much healthier than semi-sweet and dessert varieties.

Foreign producers of red wine

Dry red wine, which one to choose from imported varieties?

Wines from different countries are made from many local grape varieties. On the shelves of shopping centers in Russia there are a lot of wines from France with a wide range of prices from cheap to expensive.

The Russian buyer is mainly in demand for inexpensive varieties of dry red wine.

France is a leader in the production of wine, but among its products come across low-quality drinks. Therefore, when choosing a French wine, you should carefully study the information on the bottle: there should be information about the manufacturer, harvest date, year of release of the wine. The most famous French red wine varieties are Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhone.

Italy ranks first in the export of wine. Sunny, warm weather allows you to grow grapes all year round. Red wines from the Tuscany wine region, made from the Italian Sangiovese grape variety, have earned worldwide fame. The most popular dry red wines are Chianti Classico, Super Tuscan, Brunello di Montalcino. Chianti is a wine aged no more than 2 years, if the exposure exceeds this value, the wine is called Riserva, it is several times more expensive.

The label will again help in choosing a quality Spanish wine. Wine of different aging has identifying inscriptions:

cheap canteen;
local, improved quality;
vintage;
elite.

A suitable Spanish wine for a juicy meat steak is the classic Rioja with a fruity bouquet and bright taste.

When choosing imported red dry wine, one should be guided by the principle that the hotter the climate in the country of origin, the tastier the wine. Therefore, wines from Argentina, Chile and other countries of the New World are so popular with us. Drinks from these countries have exotic flavors due to the use of original local grape varieties: shiraz, grenache, zinfandel, malbec. Famous grape varieties grow here: Cabernet and Merlot. The use of cheap labor, sunny climate, rich soils, high yields make the prices of wine from these countries affordable for the entire population.

A collection of traditional Georgian red wines will be a wonderful decoration for any feast. The first toast is said with glasses filled with the precious moisture of the Georgian semi-sweet wine Khvanchkara. Vegetable appetizers accompany Georgian red dry wines Saperavi or Mukuzani, smoothly moving on to the main meat dish - shish kebab. Semi-sweet red wines based on the Kindzmarauli or Akhasheni saperavi varieties are also perfect for dishes cooked on an open fire.

In recent years, high-quality Abkhazian wines have become a pleasant addition to the Russian market.

Several large wineries operate on the territory of Abkhazia, producing relatively inexpensive red wine, which has a wonderful taste and bouquet.

Many private wineries are opening, where wine is made according to their own original or old recipes. Wines from private wineries with a richer taste, but also a higher price. The most popular brands are Lykhna, Bouquet of Abkhazia, Chegem, Amra, Apsny.

After choosing a brand, variety and winemaker, it's time to check the originality of the wine and protect yourself from fake. All world wine producers strive to adhere to the rule of three colors in the design of labels. Therefore, stay away from multi-colored pieces of paper.

Honest winemakers always indicate the name of the manufacturer and its location.

An important sign of quality wine is the indication of the year of harvest. Quality wine should not have sediment. An important compass is the cork of the bottle, its top should be at the level of the top of the neck and it should sit very firmly, keeping the wine fresh. Nowadays, some winemakers are replacing corks with metal screw caps, simplifying the way bottles are opened.

For the production of dry red wine, grape varieties Merlot, Cabernet, Negrette, Aglianico, Sauvignon and others are used. There are thousands of varieties of red wine in the world. The best of them are Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir.

Intense, bright color of the wine can only be obtained from good grapes. Scarlet, burgundy, ruby, purple, or dark cherry hues indicate the youth of a dry wine. High-quality red wine is packed in massive individually shaped bottles in dark shades of green or brown. When serving wine, it is better to be guided by the principle: the richer, fatter, heavier the dish, the lighter the wine served.

Gastronomic pairings of red wine

There are countless gourmets in the world who experience boundless love for good dry red wine. In Italy, France, Georgia, wine is a traditional national drink, an essential attribute of lunches and dinners for all segments of the population.

Examples of combinations of dry red wine with food:

Tuscan dry wine is perfect for cheese, lasagna, spaghetti.
Semi-sweet Georgian "Kindzmarauli", Latin American "Kaiken Terroir Series" will make friends with barbecue, fried meat: lamb, beef.
The sweet taste of baked vegetables will emphasize the French "Le Cornu"
The taste of the dessert will be enhanced by Burgundy Beaujolais Nouveau

The best red dry wines

Château Fonceche is a French wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties with a bright aroma of ripe fruits and meadow flowers. Alcohol is 10 vol.

Serving temperature for meat dishes is about 18 degrees. Glasses with a ruby-colored drink will become the main decoration of the table.

Chianti is an old Italian dry wine. Strictly red grape varieties are used in its production. Great with Italian food.

Bararesco is another popular dry red wine from Italy. Grapes grown in the highlands give this drink a delicate tart taste and a complex aroma of spices, fruits and flowers.

Saperavi is a Georgian variety of dry red wine made from grapes of the same name.

The strength of the drink is not more than 11 vol. The wine is distinguished by maroon color and velvety taste Mukuzani - Georgian wine made from Saperavi grapes, languishing for three years in oak containers. Recognized by its beautiful red color, taste with the aroma of berries and oak bark.

It goes well with hot meat and vegetable delicacies.

The best Russian red wines of 2016 are:

"Phantom" "Cabernet Sauvignon" winery Vedernikov, JSC Millerovsky winery;
Lefkadia "Reserve" LLC "Lefkadia", Krasnodar Territory;
Saperevi. Chateau Taman. Reserve JSC Kuban-Vino, Krasnodar Territory and others

Semi-sweet red wines are classified as table wines, with a strength of 9-14%, with a sufficient sugar content in the finished product.

Red semi-sweet wine, which one to choose?

The best red semi-sweet wines are produced by Georgia. Recipes tested for centuries, ideal weather conditions for the ripening of sweet grape varieties contribute to the creation of divine drinks: Khvanchkara, Alazani Valley, Kindzmarauli, Akhasheni.

Khvanchkara is the most famous semi-sweet wine. The raw material is the berries of the Mujuretuli and Aleksandrouli varieties, grown in the vineyards of the Racha area.

A feature of the dark red drink is a great taste with floral and fruity notes.

Alazani Valley is a semi-sweet wine of red grapes grown in Western and Eastern Georgia.

A great addition to Georgian cheeses and sweet dishes. Cooling wine enhances its flavor nuances. It has a pleasant taste and delicate bouquet.

Akhasheni is a semi-sweet drink made from the famous saperavi grape variety grown in the mountainous Kakheti region. The velvety black cherry color is combined with a moderately tart taste.

Kindzmarauli is a famous semi-sweet red made from Saperavi grapes. Bordeaux color, dark pomegranate, pleasant taste and wonderful bouquet.

Summing up, we can say that when choosing wine, preference should be given to dry red wine made on the basis of dark red grape varieties. This type of drink occupies a significant niche in the assortment of vintage and single wines. Moderate regular consumption of dry red wine will help improve health, maintain vitality at the proper level, and cheer up. The main thing in achieving a healing and therapeutic effect is regular consumption in small doses. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol dependence. As the French say, wine cures everything except alcoholism.

Nowadays, on the shelves of stores there is a huge assortment of alcoholic beverages, including wines. It's quite difficult to choose just one. And to enjoy your choice is even more difficult, because among the entire range there are a lot of mediocre and low-quality products.

But good wine can help make a dinner, a special evening and a wedding unforgettable, or it can turn them into a disaster.

What should you pay attention to when you are at the counter with the coveted drink?

Label

Pay close attention to the label. It doesn't have to be flashy and flashy. A trendy label with a gaudy design is not at all an indicator of a quality product. And so, what should be on the label next.

Manufacturer and name

Avoid flashy titles whenever possible. As it is right, the wines that say "The Fate of a Monk", "Mother's Tear" and other pretentious names have a poor composition. If this is a cheap wine, then perhaps its manufacturer is trying to adapt its low-quality product to well-known brands.

The name of the manufacturer is similar to the logo and is not the first to catch the eye.

But it should be clearly marked on the bottle.

Reference! If the manufacturer is hidden or not indicated at all, then there is a possibility that this wine is not of the best quality.

Production region

As a rule, the name of the region is written in large print. But do not assume that the hyped Italian and French wines will definitely not let you down:

The well-known Bordeaux and Burgundy are unlikely to be of high quality if they cost less than 500 rubles. Often, not the best wines are exported in such countries, so even the most ordinary French wines are expensive here.
But drinks from the countries of the New World, Portugal and Spain in the same price category can be of high quality.
Experts advise taking Argentine wine if the budget is no more than 500-600 rubles. For the budget segment, they have a very decent value for money.

Among the wines of a little-known Hungarian region, you can also find an interesting option. Sweet wines from large factories from this region are not worth buying.

An exception can only be semi-dry wines of the Tokaj region. But the dry wines of Hungarian wineries with strict labels are worth paying attention to.

Among Moldovan drinks, you can find high-quality and quite decent ones.

The situation with Georgian wines is somewhat more complicated:

Due to the popularity of the Georgian product, many fakes have appeared in Russia. All kinds of "Tbilisuri" and "Alazani Valleys" are names not controlled in Georgia. Anyone can make these wines.
Therefore, Georgian wine must be chosen with great care and preference should be given to trusted producers.
For example, the famous Satrapezo factory invariably pleases with interesting and bright wine.

Grape sort

Usually the grape variety is written large and clearly. It is often confused with the name of the wine.

Riesling, Isabella, Merlot, Malbec, Chardonnay, Muscat, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet, Montepulciano are all grape varieties. It is easy to get confused among them. Their choice is a matter of taste and mood.

Therefore, do not be afraid to try new things to find the best option for you.

The inscriptions tell us about this criterion:

"dry"
"semi-dry",
"sweet",
"semi-sweet".

Important! Experts say that it is better to give the choice to dry wine. It has the fewest additives and it has a safer effect on health.

Such drinks contain less than 4 g/l of sugar. Semi-dry wines contain 4-12 g/l of sugar. Semi-sweet wines contain 12-45 g/l of sugar. And finally, sweet wines with a sugar content of more than 45 g / l.

Crop year

The year of harvest must be indicated on the bottle. This is a very important factor influencing the quality of wine.

Yield depends on:

from the weather
sunny days,
precipitation,
pests and diseases.

There are very successful years when all the vineyards give a chic harvest. But the situation can be just the opposite. As a rule, professionals in their field pay attention to the year: winemakers, collectors, sommeliers.

Reference! It should be noted that for the majority of New World wines, the issues of good weather are resolved more favorably than for Old World winemakers.

In Europe, it is more difficult with the sun's rays, but precipitation and frost are not uncommon. And in order for the grapes to grow juicy and tasty, acceptable weather conditions are necessary.

Quality category

If all the conditions of preparation are met, then the quality category is indicated on the bottle. France was the first country to introduce mandatory classification of wines.

French wine classification:

A.O.C.- the most stringent requirements are imposed on the wine of this category.
V.D.Q.S.- wine of excellent quality. Such wines are recognized as one of the best.
VdP or IGP (Vin de Pays, Identfication Geographique Protegee)- "local wines" with indication of origin. Such drinks are not subject to requirements for the grape variety. This is a wine for every day.
VdT- table wine. Such drinks are simply subject to safety requirements. They are made in different regions, from different grape varieties.

Reference! The Italian system is based on the French one, but differs in names. Their names (from the highest category to canteens): DOCG, DOC, IGT, VDT.

Watch a video that shows how to read a French wine label correctly:

Cork

The assumption that good wine must be corked with natural cork is not entirely true. There is a myth that a plastic or screw cap is an indicator of a poor quality product. This is wrong.

Many manufacturers (in particular Argentina) have switched to plastic corks that do not adversely affect the drink. Much depends on how quickly they plan to open and drink wine.

For example, the screw cork, so common now, is used to seal young wines that are drunk within 2-4 years after production.

Natural cork has a significant drawback:

Despite the fact that it is a natural material, such corks can have a negative impact on the quality of the drink.
Poorly crafted corks can impart flavor to the wine. This is called "cork disease". More than 5% of wine worldwide suffers from it.

And this can apply to both the cheapest and the most expensive collection wine.

The smell is like wet paper or a dirty rag.

In addition, natural cork costs a lot of money. When purchasing non-collectible wine, it is foolish to overpay for a cork. Of course, if the price of a drink is already so high, it’s not a pity to overpay for a cork.

Therefore, standing at the counter, remember that natural cork is needed only for those wines that require maturation in the bottle, and their shelf life is decades.

As a rule, these are chic and expensive wines from France and Italy. But when buying young table wine for every day, you should not overpay for a cork, this is not rational.

Bottle

Please note that in bottles made of thin light glass, the wine is stored for no more than two years. And in heavy bottles with dark thick glass, the drink can be stored for a long time. They usually pour high-quality, collection wine.

Important! Experts believe that a wine bottle should be colored so that light does not penetrate inside and the wine does not deteriorate. And its bottom should be concave. If you see a bottle with a flat bottom, most likely it is a fake.

In the video, a professional sommelier tells how to choose a good wine in a store:

Price

Of course, a high price is not the most important indicator of a good product. There are many factors that affect the value of wine. And oddly enough, the cost is rather weakly related to its actual quality.

This is even evidenced by the fact that there will be a twofold difference in price between similar wines from Chile and France. Just because France and Italy are considered champions in the quality of this drink.

If we talk about the choice of wine in Russian stores, you should focus on the following price categories:

Don't buy too cheap wines. Regardless of the region and year of release, wine should not cost less than 500 rubles.
A minimum of 600 rubles is the price for New World wines.
Minimum 800 rubles - the price for the south of France
From 1000 rubles for Bordeaux.

Rating of the best brands that are better to buy in Russia

Summing up, let's try to give examples of good wines in various categories, sorting them by the amount of sugar and prices.

Red dry

: Chateaude Chamirey, Mercurey Rouge (France), Brunello di Montalcino (Italy), Duckhorn, "Decoy" Cabernet Sauvignon (USA).
Quinta do Crasto (Portugal); Enoforum "Alente Reserva" (Portugal); Pegoes, Adega de Pegoes (Portugal), Kindzmarauli Marani (Georgia), Adega Eidos "Veigas de Padrinan" (Spain), Marques de Caceres, Crianza (Spain).
Teliani Valley, Saperavi (Georgia), Tinajas, Carmenere Reserva (Chile), Trapiche, Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina), Campo Viejo, Tempranillo (Spain), Conti Serristori, Chianti (Italy).

Red semi-sweet

Expensive wine (from 3000 rubles): Badagoni "Nikala 1862", Kvanchkara (Georgia), Kurni, Marche Rosso (Italy), Mildiani, Kindzmarauli (Georgia), Masi Serego Alighieri "Casal dei Ronchi (Italy).
Average price category (1000 - 3000 rubles): Telavi Wine Cellar, "Marani" Ojaleshi (Georgia), Teleani Valley, Kindzmarauli (Georgia), Vaziani Khvanchkara (Georgia), Tinazzi "Uomo" Venetto IGP (Italy), Felline "Fellone" Primitivo, Puglia (Italy).
Inexpensive wines (up to 1000 rubles): Tamada, Kindzmarauli (Georgia), J.P. Chenet, Medium Sweet Vin de Pays (France), Tuusculum Rosso Semi Sweet (Italy), Maison Bouey "Lettres de France" (France), Askaneli Brothers, Saperavi Muscat (Georgia).

You can choose the best wine for yourself only by comparing several brands and the choice will not necessarily be in favor of an expensive one.

Red semi-dry

Expensive wine (from 3000 rubles): Zenato, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (Italy), "Mas De Daumas Gassac" Rouge (France), Le Salette "Pergole Vece" (Italy).
Average price category (1000 - 3000 rubles): Luccarelli, "Campo Marina" Primitivo di Manduria (Italy), "SopraSasso" Amarone della Valpolicella (Italy), Racemi "Sinfarosa" Zinfandel Primitivo di Manduria (Italy), Isla Negra, "West Bay" (Chile).
Inexpensive wines (up to 1000 rubles):"La Piuma" Montepulciano d`Ambruzzo (Italy), Cono Sur, "Tocornal" Carmenere, Central Valley (Chile), "Barefoot" Merlo (USA), Trapiche, Malbec (Argentina), Hardys, "Legacy" Red (Australia) .

White dry

Domaine Vacheron & Fils, "Les Romains" (France), Jermann "Capo Martino" (Italy), Granver "Anfora" Ribolla Giala (Italy).
Villa Maria "Private Bin" Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), Saint Clair, Marlborough (New Zealand), Markus Huber, Reisling "Terrassen" Traisental DAC (Austria), Martin Codax, Albarino (Spain).
Inexpensive wines (up to 1000 rubles): Anselmo Mendes, "Passaros" Alvarinho-Loureiro, Vinho Verde (Portugal), Botter, Pinnot Grigio, Veneto (Italy), Askaneli Brothers "Artwine" Rkatsiteli Qvevri (Georgia), Feudi del Pisciotto, Baglio Del Solo Inzolia Cataratto (Italy).

White semi-sweet

Expensive wine (from 3000 rubles): Wolfberger "Rangen", Pinot Gris (France), Domaine Marcel Deiss Grasberg (France).
Average price category (1000 - 3000 rubles): Paul Masson, Chablis (USA), Robert Weil, Rheingau Riesling Tradition (Germany), Domaine Marcel Deiss, Gewurztraminer (France).
Inexpensive wines (up to 1000 rubles): Mildiani, Tvishi (Georgia), Shateau Dereszla, Tokaji Furmint (Hungary), FDL "La Croix du Pin", Muscat (France).

The color of such drinks can be straw, amber or even silver, but in any case not too saturated.

White semi-dry

Expensive wine (from 3000 rubles): Riesling Clos Saint Imer" (France), Domaine Huet "Clos du Bourg" (France).
Average price category (1000-3000 rubles):"I Frati" Lugana (Italy), Concha y Toro "Frontera" (Chile).
Inexpensive wines (up to 1000 rubles):"Toucas", Vinho Verde (Portugal), Angove "Butterfly Ridge" (Australia), Redwood Vineyards, Pinot Grigio (USA).

Pink

M.Chapoutier Beaurevoir Travel, Abrau-Durso Imperial Cuvee Rose Brut, Domaines ott Cotes de Provence Clos Mireille Rose.

Watch an informative video that explains which wines are considered the best:

In the end, I would like to note that among the huge assortment of wines you can always find something to your liking.

You just have to decide on your desires and you will definitely be able to find a drink that satisfies your preferences.

Don't judge wine by its label

Labels vary by country. For example, the French style is a very simple label, usually white, very modest. And the producers of the New World (Argentina, Chile, New Zealand), in order to attract attention, often make the labels bright. To stand out against the background of more modest European “comrades”, as well as against the background of each other, is a marketing ploy.

How are price and quality related?

How to choose dry white wine

White wines should be drunk "young". If this wine is older than three years, is sold on sale, suspicions arise whether it is of high quality. It is better to buy wine from the same vintage or 2 years older.

Of course, there are white wines that lie for a very long time, but they will most likely not be on the general shelf of the supermarket, but will be sold in a special department, for a rather high price.

How to choose rose wine

Rosé wine lives for one year. If very good, then 2-3 years. This is due to the fact that wine must remain fresh, and rosé wine loses this freshness after two years.

This happens because there are few tannins contained in the skin of the grapes in the rose, because it is kept on the skins of the grapes for a very short time in order to maintain a beautiful pink hue.

How to choose dry red wine

Price: from 500-700 rubles;
wine age: 25 years;

Red can be chosen a few years older than white. Some grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, take time to develop in the bottle. Due to the tannins contained in the skin of the grapes, the wine lives longer, but in youth it can be too tart.

Sweet wine: what are the risks of drinking it

What should be the cork of a quality wine?

Cortical cork - to some extent, it is considered a sign of elitism. The bark is removed from the cork tree, then dried. Cork stoppers are made from both whole bark and crumbs. Corks of this type have their drawbacks - they are very expensive, besides, they are treated with chlorine, sometimes not of a very high quality. Later, this chlorine can combine with wine and cause an unpleasant odor.