During the last few months, sales of wines over the twenty dollar mark have seen quite a downturn. This is, of course, the reaction of consumers cutting back on their spending especially on discretionary purchases such as wine. This shift will definitely impact the world of wine and there will be regions that benefit from the slowdown and those who won’t.
A region that may not benefit is the BC wine industry. On the positive side, the exposure of BC wines during the Winter Olympics may definitely help, although not too much BC wine is exported from BC. Many wines in BC are priced twenty dollars and more and consumers are shying away from this price point. BC wines, especially reds fewer than twenty dollars just can’t compete with such reds as quality Malbecs from Argentina priced at twelve dollars and less. In the last few weeks some BC wineries have dropped their prices of higher end wines as inventory sits in warehouses instead of restaurant wine cellars and consumers’ homes.
Other regions producing wines at higher price points may affected such as Oregon, Washington, Napa, New Zealand, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Piedmont. Prices for these regions may lessen in the next while and wine lovers who usually cannot afford these wines may discover their quality and unique place in the world of wine.
The big winners in this situation will be regions that over deliver quality for their price. One of the giants will be Argentina. They are producing quality wines that are flooding the market with ten to twelve dollar wines that deliver on all fronts. The top whites will include Chardonnay and Torrontes. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are outstanding red values.
Argentina’s neighbour Chile will also benefit. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier lead the white category Pinot Noir, Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon will triumph in the red category.
Unfortunately Australia is suffering from two poorer vintages due to climate change and drought. They still, however, offer some amazing wines at competive prices. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon at the under twenty dollar price are some of the best red bargains in the world. Un-oaked Chardonnays’, the new daring of the white category, are a refreshing change from the old over oaked Chards from the past.
To start you off in finding these winning values I’ve reviewed a few of my latest favourites.
La Puerta Torrontes 2007, Argentina - The Torrontes grape is native to Argentina and due to recent careful growing of this grape is producing outstanding whites at super value pricing. The La Puerta is very fruity with citrus and tropical fruit flavours. Fresh and soft with just the right amount of acidity the finish is quite long for a value wine. A must for this summer!
La Puerta Malbec 2008, Argentina - The twin to the Torrontes is another example of a well made red at a great price. Showy plum, black currant and red cherry with a touch of spice and liquorice are on the finish. Smooth and easy drinking this is sure to be a big BBQ hit this summer.
Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Rose 2007, Chile - This wine will convert you to a rose lover. Citrus, light plum and strawberry notes wrapped around an elegant and full bodied palate. Serve lightly chilled with shrimp cocktail or seared tuna.
Mad Fish Shiraz, 2004 , Australia - Fresh, fleshy and juicy is how I would describe this wine from down under. Clean cherry, red currant and spice extract and wonderfully balanced. This wine is not your typical over extracted Australian fruit bomb so it is an ideal food wine for salmon, chicken and pork dishes.
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