Monday, July 19, 2021

Rant: The Easiest Way To Buy Delicious, Inexpensive Wine

What's the easiest way to find a delicious value wine, with character, under $15? I have a simple piece of advice: Buy Portuguese wine! 

This recently came to my mind, once again, as I've been tasting a number of Portuguese wines, finding some excellent value wines. It wasn't a surprise to me, but reminded me that more people should embrace the delights of inexpensive Portuguese wine. You could buy cheap bottles of Yellow Tail, Barefoot, or similar brands, but they aren't going to impress anyone. However, inexpensive Portuguese wines can and do impress. 

Every year, imports of Portuguese wines to the U.S. grow, which is also currently Portugal's second largest market. About 50% of those imports are Vinho Verde, commonly white wines with a touch of effervescence that are perfect for the summer and are excellent food wines too. You can find plenty of tasty Vinho Verde wines for under $15. Portugal also offers numerous Red and Rosé wines, many produced from indigenous grapes, priced under $15. You'll find plenty of diversity at this low price point.

As I've said before, there is probably no other wine region in the world where you can find as many good wines under $15 than Portugal. You can find some in other wine regions, but they are far less common, and you'll have to seek much harder to locate them. Chances are that if you purchase a Portuguese wine costing $15 or less, you'll find a tasty wine, much better than similarly priced wines from most other regions. 

Even Portuguese wines under $10 can impress. I previously held a private wine tasting event, with six wines from different countries. The overall favorite wine, which most impressed the guests and earned hearty raves, was a $6 Portuguese Vinho Verde! At that price, it would be easy to pick up a case to ensure you always have a bottle on hand. 

Portugal is certainly a champion of wines under $15. And I shouldn't fail to mention that Portugal makes some fascinating high-end wines as well. They aren't just a country of inexpensive wine, but rather a diverse country of wine of all types and price points. 

As summer approaches, and you want to stock up on inexpensive wines for your parties, BBQs, and gatherings, then you should seek out Portuguese wines.

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