How to Get the Most for Your Money When Buying Wine

It can be exhausting trying to find affordable wine. Fear of being had permeates the experience, while the euphoric rush of knowing you got a good deal is a rarity.

The Champagne region of France is perhaps the most well-known grape-growing region in the world, and many of the world’s most well-known wines are named after the towns, villages, and vineyards where they are produced. If you want to get the most out of your wine research, a basic understanding of the lingo involved will go a long way. The following phrases may be helpful, though we’ve only scratched the surface here.

A wine’s appellation refers to the specific region within a country where it is made. For example, the wines of southern France’s Languedoc region or northeastern Italy’s Veneto region are produced.

Acidity, fruit aroma and flavor, tannin, and other wine characteristics all come together to form the wine’s “balance.” Everyone has slightly different tastes and senses of smell, so this is more of an individual perception.

The addition of sugar to grapes in the midst of fermentation in order to boost the wine’s alcohol content is called chaptalization.

Aromatic or flavorful notes of herbs and other plants are often present in wines produced in cooler regions, such as those located at higher altitudes or further north of the equator.

Kabinett refers to the highest quality German Rieslings and is a term used in German.

Legs is a term used by connoisseurs to describe the persistence of a liquid after being swirled or tasted in a glass.

Nose (also “bouquet”) is the term used to describe the odor of a wine.

Reserve is an American wine classification system for exceptional bottles.

High-acid wine that hasn’t been aged in oak is said to be “steely.” Crisp is another word for it.

Plant compounds known as tannins are phenolic. Grape tannins are concentrated in the skins and seeds of the fruit. Tannins are responsible for the astringent flavor and the structure in wine. Tannins degrade and soften an aged liquid, making it less astringent.

The term “vintage,” which is commonly used to describe an old wine, actually refers to a specific year or harvest in the wine industry. Whether it’s 1895 or 2014, every bottle has a vintage.

There are, of course, many more terms used in the industry, but familiarizing yourself with a few will help you quickly and easily navigate the landscape.

Scheduled Samples

Off-sales and wine shops on the high street and online frequently host tasting events to attract new customers. What better way to explore new wines, sample them, and learn which ones are currently featured in great wine offers and promotions at your neighborhood shop, supermarket, or online? Dates and locations can be discovered with a simple in-store inquiry or online search. It’s not uncommon to find a new wine of which you’ve never heard but immediately become a fan.

Find the Best Deals Online

If you’re on a tight budget but still want to drink well, there are plenty of wine review sites online that can help you out. If you’re looking to buy wine online for a party, this is the best option. A simple calculator found on many of these sites can help you determine the appropriate number of bottles to order based on the anticipated number of guests. Because they don’t have the same overhead as brick-and-mortar stores, online wholesalers may be able to provide you with a fantastic wine deal. It’s always a good idea to talk to a salesperson about your needs before making a purchase from an online retailer. Dealing with people on a personal level can often lead to a more favorable business relationship, and they may be able to give you some insider information about upcoming offers.

Promotions in New Wine-Producing Areas

Learning about up-and-coming grape growing regions that are not as well-known as Mendoza in Argentina or Napa Valley in California can help you find great wine deals. Vineyards in the south east of the United Kingdom are gaining acclaim, much like those in Mallorca, Spain. If you try a wine from one of these regions and find that you like it, the vineyard owners may be eager to promote their new wine selection and gain your business by offering you a fantastic deal.

Also, producers often offer attractive wine discounts to spread the word about their new products, so you might find some interesting new varietals from well-known growing regions around the world.

Bulk Wine Purchasing

You can save even more money on already low prices when you buy more wine in bulk. If you have a large upcoming order for wine, it may be worthwhile to see if any of your friends, coworkers, or associates have a similar need so that you can split the savings with them. Join a wine buying group if you find yourself needing to stock up on wine on a regular basis. Members of these groups usually have a lot of experience finding deals. Because of this, the group can organize large orders at discounted prices and give good advice.

Visiting Liquor Stores in Search of Deals

Most bars and wine shops offer discounts year-round, but during the weeks leading up to holidays and other special occasions, you can expect even better deals on a wider selection of wines. You should choose the wine with the largest discount rather than the cheapest one because the latter may be in a price range that would keep it off your list if it were full price, meaning you’d be missing out on a treat otherwise.

Visit your neighborhood liquor store, take notes on the current sales, and then do some online investigation. Check the store’s website to see if there are any expert or customer reviews that could sway your decision. If you’re planning on making a larger purchase, it might be worth it to buy a few different discounted wines to sample and discuss with loved ones before settling on a final selection.

Promotional Cash-and-Carry Offers

If you need to buy wine in bulk, a local cash-and-carry would be a great place to start looking for deals. Some of them only work with other businesses, like shops and restaurants, while others will gladly set up an account for anyone, regardless of whether or not they own a business. Access to a cash and carry account may also be provided by your employer through a variety of programs. If you work for a large company, you should inquire with HR regarding this.

Comparing Screw Caps and Corks

Both are available with today’s wines, and they don’t indicate a difference in quality. It depends on the tastes of the manufacturer and the layout of the bottling facility. To avoid the wine becoming “corked,” in which the cork deteriorates and spoils the liquid, many manufacturers have switched to plastic alternatives or screw caps.

Avoid Taking Chances on Offers

Do what makes you happy. Even if you find a great deal on a wine that isn’t your typical style but comes in a beautiful bottle, that doesn’t guarantee you’ll like it. Making a decision on the spur of the moment could lead to regret. Conduct a thorough investigation.

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