Goodies but Cheapies!

by Jon Fiume
November 17, 2005

We've heard about them - Two Buck Chuck/Charles Shaw - and probably even tasted a few; some of which we may choose to want to forget. But nonetheless cheap wine has its place at and on the table. And whether you are a wine connoisseur or just enjoy a glass from time to time you may be surprised that some of these inexpensive bottles carry their own quite well.

What makes a good cheap wine? To be honest it becomes a matter of personal taste and preference. It requires a minimal investment and the time to try. You may also find that these less quality wines are able to take on a life of their own improving hours after opening them. It just depends. On the manufacturing side many of these wines are made from less quality grapes obviously or are blends such as Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon or Semillon/Chardonnay found in less expensive Australian wines. They are often found in boxes, jugs (who cannot forget Carl Rossi Chablis?) and most recently fancied up in typical wine bottles with attractive labels impressing the purchaser and reminding them of their great bargain. In fact, the marketing of these cheaper wines has continued to grow attracting many of the "new to wine" drinkers as well as the "thirty something's" who are choosing to spend their money elsewhere during a tough economy. However, both groups want to be hip and attached to an image behind the label. The result has been the creation of a sub industry which allows for fun without the financial risk.

Price ranges for this lower segment of wines are anywhere from the mid $3.00 to just under $10.00. And recent industry trends suggest that even some $12.00 wines are falling into this same category.

When is a decent cheap wine a good thing to have? Certainly when you do not want to spend a tremendous amount of money such as when entertaining large groups and the more they consume the less they are aware of what they are consuming. Or when you realize that the majority of your guests are not wine connoisseurs and simply drink it because it exists. And lastly just because. You will not feel the pressure of having to finish the bottle (you can always throw the leftover into your next spectacular dish!) and you will save on your pocketbook! Point being these wines have a purpose and should not go unnoticed.

Here are some for consideration and please note that I have skipped Charles Shaw allowing some others the limelight.

Wyndham Estate, 2003 Bin 555 Shiraz. Around $8.00.
A traditional Australian Shiraz, medium bodied, complex tannins and therefore easy to drink. The flavors offer the traditional black pepper that you would expect to find in a Shiraz along with a plum and licorice finish. One note: give this one a little time to breathe. The first taste could scare some away!

Crane Lake 2003 Sangiovese. Around $3.50.
Quite smooth with medium tannins and medium bodied. Not what you would traditionally expect from a Sangiovese. However, this one is from Napa and not Tuscany. Flavors are layered and you may even think that there is a pause in the flavor profile allowing your taste buds to perhaps become lost. But then the flavor reappears and presents itself with a nice smooth finish of berries and tobacco. Quite a combination and what an experience for under $4.00!

Undurraga 2001 Lontue Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Around $6.99.
For those white wine lovers, this is a fun Chilean wine that holds its own quite well. Actually when shopping for some of the less expensive wines consider those from Chile. The value for the money is incredible such that you will think you are drinking a wine twice the price. This particular bottle is fermented in stainless steel and therefore is without an oakey aroma and flavor. It is crisp, dry, and fruity offering a long finish. When considering cheap white wines this one is a sure bet compared to risking it on many of the over-oaked less expensive Chardonnays.