Corkscrew Chronicles: Finding value wines for everyday enjoyment

So where does one look for everyday value wines that satisfy? The search is fraught with challenge and frustration. Often inexpensive wines are simply low in cost and seldom offer redeeming attributes. What we really seek is value — which is defined as quality-to-price ratio. There are many opportunities to find everyday value in the wine market. Some investigation is necessary and changing your wine sources might be required, but the potential for some stunning wines that are easy on the wallet is certainly available. Here are some suggestions to make your quest simple and successful: Work with good retailers The best person that can make your search simple is a knowledgeable retailer. They see a large number of wholesale representatives and purchase what they think are excellent values to stay competitive in an aggressive market. Keep in touch with a few of the best, who are able to make suggestions to fit your budget and tastes and patronize their business. Hint — if you purchase beer and spirits, consolidate your buying for increased service and loyalty. Change your mindset One of the strongest misconceptions is that German rieslings are syrupy sweet. The best are balanced between sweetness, fruit and acidity, and are exceptionally food-friendly. With lower levels of alcohol than table wines, you will find them cool, refreshing sippers that won't anesthetize — perfect during the warmer summer months. Also look to Washington State, Monterey, the Finger Lakes, Niagara Peninsula and Lake Erie for fine examples. Great values are often found in new world regions Look for some brilliant whites and luscious reds in places other than Europe. Wines from Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Niagara Peninsula offer great drinking potential. Keep Ohio in mind — we have excellent fruit and great winemakers in our home state. Europe offers values, if you know where to look Ever tried a gruner-veltliner from Austria? Furmint from Hungary? Bulgaria came into its own in the late '80's with very nice cabernets. Portugal offers crisp and refreshing vinho verdes, but currently also rich and complex reds made from Porto varietals. The south of Italy — Apulia and Sicily, in particular — regularly post bottles in the under-$10 range. One of my current favorite origins is Spain, with its old vines, dry farming/low yields and unique grapes handled with modern technology. Buyer's own brand Grocery stores have been doing this with food items for years. Now large beverage and grocery retailers offer their own private labels through a broker/importer who oversees quality. Try before you purchase in quantity, but there are some good values available. Closeouts While some regions are experiencing strong sales, someone is always lagging. Check out what is available. Look to unusual packaging Ever had bag in the box wine? Some of them can be decent values. Try the Black Box wines. They have been quite good and the wines keep for about a year after the first service. The newest craze is wine in cans; casual package, light and easy to carry, each can equivalent to a half bottle of wine, 40 percent less expensive to package than glass and major players are getting into the market. Perhaps the best examples I have tried are from California's brick-and-mortar wines. Purchase in quantity Ohio laws have changed to allow a 10 percent discount on six bottle purchases or larger — mix or match items. If you find wines that offer value, purchase in larger quantities to save money. Look for complexity of flavor, concentration, length of finish and price. See what you can find and keep notes so you remember brands! Gary Twining is a certified wine educator who worked 34 years in the wholesale fine wine industry. Email him at winingwithtwining@hotmail.com.