How Do I Pick a Good Inexpensive Wine? Where the best wine in the world is made
1. Shipwrecked 1907 Heidsieck & Co Monopole Champagne- the most expensive wine in the world. It was meant for Russian emperor Nicholas II. But during transportation in 1917, the ship was sunk by a German submarine. Only in 1998 the surviving bottles were lifted from the bottom of the Gulf of Finland. Now they are selling for $ 275,000 apiece.
Shipwrecked 1907 Heidsieck 2. 1787 Chateau Lafite- this wine has already deteriorated, but it is still very expensive ($ 160,000 per bottle) and prestigious. It's all about the initials "Th.J." belonging to Thomas Jefferson. The fighter for US independence acquired Chateau Lafite during a trip to France, where his initials were put on the labels.
Chateau Lafite 1787 3. Château Mouton-Rothschild 1945- the cost of one bottle is $ 114,614. The high price is explained by the preparation in the most successful vintner (the year of grape ripening) of the 20th century, which fell in 1941. It is this wine that is accepted as the standard, it can be called the most delicious in the world.
Château Mouton-Rothschild 1945 4. Screaming Eagle 1992- the price is $ 80,000 per bottle. Wine from the California Napa Valley is famous for its rich fruity taste, rich texture and long aftertaste.
Screaming Eagle 1992 5. A bottle of Massandra sherry from 1775- legendary wine Russian Empire sold at Sotheby’s auction for $ 43,500 per bottle. The imperial seal is applied on the labels. This is the oldest wine preserved to this day.
Massandra sherry 1775 6. 1951 Penfolds Grange Hermitage- the wine was released by the Australian winemaker Max Schubert. There are only 160 bottles in the world, selling for $ 38,000. The drink was created as a competitor to Bordeaux wines.
Penfolds Grange Hermitage 1951 7. Cheval Blanc 1947- for the first time the general public learned about this wine from the cartoon "Ratatouille". Experts call it the most festive drink of the 20th century. One bottle costs $ 33,781.
Cheval Blanc 1947 8. Montrachet Domaine de la Romanée Conti 1978- the most expensive French wine. Seven of his bottles sold for $ 23,929 apiece.
Montrachet Domaine de la Romanée Conti 1978 9. Burgundy DRC Romanée Conti 1934- this $ 20,145 wine impressed the tasters with its aromatic bouquet. It is considered the best wine for romantic get-togethers.
How many wines, so many opinions. If you could buy “delicious” wine, everything would be extremely simple. But, fortunately or unfortunately, wine cannot be called “tasty”. Thousands of experts, cavists and tasters subtly describe the aroma and taste of wine, and you say: "Delicious." Do not do like this.
At the same time, it is completely incomprehensible how to choose a good wine. There are many more rankings that present the best wines for certain characteristics. Let's talk about them.
Robert Parker Scale
Perhaps the most famous wine rating is the Robert Parker 100-point scale (RP). The final score is made up of the characteristics of color, aroma, taste and aftertaste of the wine. The minimum RP score is 50. A wine like that would be terrible. But 100 points are already masterpieces.
Much is written about this rating, and many are inclined to believe that it has already lost its impartiality. Nevertheless, the tops discussed below are based on the RP scale. Therefore, we do not undertake to judge this, but simply move on.
Wine Spectator Annual Ranking
Top wines from Wine Spectator are interesting both in the selection of wines and in the prices. There are not only super-expensive drinks, but also quite cheap ones.
Since 1988, the magazine has been compiling its own list of "Top 100 wines", which experts have tasted throughout the year. This list includes both famous brands and unknown novelties. What pleases me most about this top is that they are not trying to sell me anything. The authors of the rating themselves declare that this is not a shopping list, but a guide to wine producers.
Unfortunately, of the affordable wines this year in Russia, you can buy only three of the top 100. For example, Matua Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent white wine with a bright fruity-floral aroma and tropical notes on the palate. It ranks 40th in the ranking. If you're looking for a good white semi-dry wine, go for it.
100 inexpensive wines from "Wine Enthusiast"
And here is another interesting rating from the Wine Enthusiast portal. Its peculiarity is that it only includes inexpensive wines. Each bottle costs no more than $ 15. To compile this rating, experts tasted 1,450 wines and selected the best. The geography of drinks is quite wide - the rating includes drinks from 17 countries.
It was not possible to find specific specimens from the list in Russia, but general trend understandable. The top ten are American wines, drinks from Colombia and Australia. Among the grape varieties in the top 10 are Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Pinot Noir.
How Do I Pick a Good Wine?
Taken as a basis for the manufacture of this wonderful drink. The recipe for making wine plays a significant role. Some keep it in oak barrels, others prefer glassware. Temperature regime and the filtration method is also not in the last place in the preparation of this drink.
Consider several well-known varieties of wines
First, you should consider what groups the drink is divided into. There are few of them. Among the wine groups are the following:
- Table wines. The alcohol content in them is low. Usually reaches 14% rpm, but may be less. In addition, the low sugar content should be noted.
- Dessert strong wines. The degree of alcohol in them is higher. Moreover, sugar in such wines can contain up to 13%.
- Up to 15 turns in dessert semi-sweet wines. Sugar barely reaches 10%, but often less. Such a group of wines can rightfully be called universal, as it suits many in terms of its taste.
- There is a lot of sugar in dessert sweet varieties. Sometimes it reaches 32%, and starts at half the maximum. Turns, as a rule, are 13-16.
Whatever the group of wines discussed above, there is a division into red, white and rosé. They are all good in their own way, and there is a lover for each type. Whether it's white, red, or rosé wine, it doesn't matter, the leaders among them top the list of the best in the world!
Some of the world's most famous wines
White wine variety (7th in the list of the best wines in the world) Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 2009 has earned its title for a reason. Moderate strength (14%) of this wonderful white drink, combined with an unsurpassed bouquet, make it a favorite on the tables of wealthy people. White wine variety (7th in the world ranking) Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 2009 is not one of the "ancient" ones, but this did not prevent it from getting such an honorable place.
Among the world's popular drinks from among the not the most expensive, you can also find something interesting. Light wines are renowned for their versatility. For example, "Chardonnay". This wine lies at the origin of the creation of the best and most expensive in the world. alcoholic beverages... Its aroma is generously enriched with lemon and oily aromas. A soft and pleasant bouquet to the liking of most lovers. Although there are drinks that are absolutely different in their qualities, light wines are considered the best among all. Sauvignon blanc occupies the second shelf among white drinks. This wine can be safely called cult, like Chardonnay.
Italian preferences
The varieties of Italian wines are also varied. Sunny Italy has long been famous for its art in this matter. Each wine variety is good in its own way. This has been proven over time. Even those people who, it would seem, have tried a huge number of different wines, sometimes cannot make a choice in favor of one or another type of drink. But many connoisseurs prefer Italian wines. Among the white "representatives" of such a drink in Italy, Riesling is in the lead, and for good reason! After all, it has a truly unforgettable taste and wonderful aroma! Cabernet Sauvignon firmly holds the leading position among red wines. But again: the taste and color, as they say, has no comrade. And it is especially difficult to choose varieties of Italian wines, because they are all attractive in their own way. Perhaps everything is due to the geographical factor. After all, Italy seems to have been created to grow the best grape varieties!
A little about table wines
The variety of table wine that has won the trust of lovers of this drink is called cardinal. This variety is a native of sunny California (one of the states of the United States). The grapes for the production of this "Californian" begin to be harvested at the end of August. Its taste is excellent, as is the aftertaste. It is enjoyed by both women and men.
But Gewurztraminer Turckheim 2006, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht - a variety of white dry wine of famous brands - is truly a wonderful choice for any table for holidays and special events. Although they do not belong to the category of canteens. But to answer the question: "What kinds of wine are there?" - you can only by knowing the basics of assessing the qualities of this drink. There are reasons for this. The thing is that there are more than four and a half thousand species of red wine alone in the world! It is impossible to know all of them, and in fact there is no need.
Let's talk about elite wines
There are many different wines. As already mentioned, the whole point is in the manufacturing technology of those, raw materials, weather conditions in which the grapes grew and much more. Elite wines differ from more budgetary "brethren" not only by the high price (which famous drink lovers are willing to pay), but also by the peculiarities of the bouquet. Some of the most sophisticated representatives of the "elite" are presented to your attention:
- "Dom Perignon". As you know, this wine is preferred by stars, famous personalities and richest people our planet. It is not the leader of the "hit parade" of the most expensive drinks in the world, but it still occupies a significant niche.
- The Australian manufacturer Penfolds Grange is arguably the best in Australia. A bottle of this wine will slightly reduce the tightness of your wallet. But it's worth it!
- Chianti 2000, born by Badia a Passignao (the abbey that invented the variety). The aftertaste of the wine is vanilla-chocolate, and the taste is fruity.
Of course, there are many elite wines in the world. The lists are updated every year, adding more and more new representatives of certain varieties. But nevertheless, the above bright representatives are quite widespread in the world and enjoy considerable popularity. Any elite wine is an unforgettable and unique taste, aroma and color. Choosing a drink to the table in honor of a special event, make your choice in favor of expensive, elite wines. You will never regret it! The money spent is nothing compared to the memory left by such drinks.
A little about fortified wines
Fortified wines are unusual and attractive in their own way. Among them there are certain divisions into classes. Exists:
- Strong.
- Flavored.
- Dessert types of fortified wines.
Each of these drinks is wonderful and attractive. A variety of fortified wine that came to us from the distant 19th century is called port. The history of its creation is closely related to the Douro River. Since the 19th century, wine has become very popular. They tried to create an analogue of it everywhere. The recipe has come down to our time. But it is no longer accepted to call it port wine, at least in the EU. Many people choose this particular type of strong wine. Perhaps the whole point is in the astringency and strength inherent in the drink, and maybe in other features of the product.
Initially, following the practice of the 18th and 19th centuries, whiskey was added to port before being sent to Portugal for sale. Thus, the wine was strengthened and did not deteriorate on the way.
By the way, many countries are now using their own technologies for the production of port. Among them are the USA, Australia, England, and many other states. Each one adds something different to the original recipe, improving some of the qualities.
Sparkling
Sparkling wine varieties are varied. They differ in color, taste and other features. As, however, and non-sparkling wines. Perhaps we should start with a short introduction about the very history of the origin of this type. Asti Spumante is an Italian sparkling wine. The Italians got the secret of making such a thing back in the distant 19th century from the ancient town of Champagne (at least, that's how it is commonly believed). However, the similarities between champagne and spumante were negligible. The only property that both drinks had in common was a great mood, which undoubtedly arises after taking them. The main rule for creating asti spumante is the timely harvesting, in which the deadlines are not violated. The fruit should not be overripe, but it should not be harvested when it is not fully ripe.
In France, the best sparkling wines are those that are born in:
- Alsace;
- Bordeaux;
- Loiret;
- Burgundy.
They are made using a special technology. Unlike other methods of preparing such a specific drink, the French use metal closed vats to contain fermenting wine instead of the usual glass bottles. The method of this preparation is called "sharmat".
The Spaniards began to prepare sparkling wines in 1872. And this custom was born in Catalonia. Such wines in Spain are called "cava". They have a traditional technology for preparing such a drink. And this wine needs to be aged on the lees for 6-9 years according to the technology. It tastes fruity. This is due to the characteristics of the local grapes used for its preparation. Among the most famous Spanish wines of the "cava" group you can find the following:
- Perellada.
- Macabeo.
- Classic Chardonnay.
The technology for making such wine is surprisingly similar to that used to make champagne in France. The product is bottled for aging in glass bottles, which are placed in the basement. But they do it in such a way that all the sediment remains on the neck of the bottle used. Then the next process takes place - sediment removal. After the sediment has been removed from the bottleneck, the Spaniards add sugar to the bottles. The sugar rate is different. This is due to various factors (the variety of grapes used to make sparkling wine, and so on). After the procedure with the addition of sugar, the bottles are closed again. This time up to serving wine to the table.
There is another classification of this wonderful drink, depending on the container in which the wine was aged, and the timing of the aging itself. They are divided into three main groups:
- Aged wines.
- Vintage wines.
- Collectible wines.
The aged are characterized by their improved quality. They must be aged for at least six months (the countdown starts from 1.01 of the next year of yield), in large capacious stationary containers, before they are bottled.
Vintage wines are a product of very high quality. The terms of their aging in large stationary containers are not less than one and a half years. This is a necessary condition only for table wines of the brand group. Vintage dessert and fortified drinks must be aged for at least two years.
Collection wines are considered the best variety of the brand group. In addition to the fact that they are kept stationary in metal containers or wooden containers for a long time, they are then bottled and under enotek conditions are additionally kept for about 3 years.
Wine can also be classified by the content of the sweet ingredient - sugar. There are five varieties, namely:
- Dry table wine. It contains no sugar and the alcohol level is minimal (10-12%). This is due to the fact that the wine material is not alcoholic at all after the fermentation process. When making white drinks, grape juice ferments beforehand. The process of making a red variety is carried out a little differently. The juice is not separated from the berry pulp, fermentation takes place together, after which the liquid is squeezed out using a special press.
- Semi-dry and semi-sweet table wines. The drink becomes like this, because the fermentation process is abruptly interrupted by strong cooling of the fermenting mass. In the starting material, about 11-13% alcohol is formed and 3-8% of sugar residues remain.
- Special fortified wines. A certain amount of alcohol is added to the fermenting wort. In this case, the process stops and thereby leaves the required amount of sugar in the drink. They are also divided into strong, dessert flavored drinks.
- Port wine, sherry, Madeira, Marsala are strong wines.
- About 17-20% of natural alcohol and sugar (7-14%) is usually found in port. The rest of the degree was introduced during alcoholization of the drink.
Based on the aging time and the quality of the grapes, the final product can be divided into two categories. The first is ordinary wine (ordinary). In turn, it is broken down into young and high quality. Ordinary, or typical, wines are made from a variety of grape varieties that can be grown geographically anywhere in the world. The process follows the general technology and rules. The resulting drink is not stored for a long time. After six months, the wine is sold.
A natural table drink is considered young, which is sold by January 1 of the next harvest year. Higher quality for elite wines. They are produced in the most optimal and fruitful years of the vineyards. A specific grape variety must be used and geographic area with optimal conditions for its growth and fertility. During harvesting, strict and careful control of raw materials is carried out according to the varietal composition. Processing is carried out directly at the collection point. Everything is aged in huge oak or metal vats. It can also be kept in glass containers (bottles), in this case, the organoleptic and taste qualities of such a drink are significantly improved. The aging and fermentation process takes place using special technologies. The initial alcohol content in wine is 10%. It is stored perfectly and can stand for many, many years. Over the years, its quality and price will only grow.
Classification of wine depending on the amount of carbon dioxide in the drink
By the presence of carbon dioxide in the wine, it can be divided into two types:
- Quiet wine.
- Effervescent or sparkling.
The complete absence of carbon dioxide in wine or its insignificant residues are characteristic of quiet varieties. Sparkling or fizzy drinks contain excessive amounts of carbon dioxide. They, in turn, are artificially saturated and receive CO 2 during fermentation. There are also natural sparkling wines and ordinary sparkling wines made according to classical principle fermentation in bottles.
Champagne wines
If you want to become a real gourmet and connoisseur of champagne, then knowing only that it is sparkling does not mean anything at all. It is classified according to the grape variety, the conditions and locality in which it was grown, the availability of sugar and the year of production. Champagne varieties can be divided into vintage and non-vintage drinks.
Two or three times in 10 years there are ideal conditions for high yields of grape fruits - vintages. A drink produced in one such year is called vintage or vintages. To produce non-vintage champagne, you need to use a mixture of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Aino Noir. It uses an average quality wine of two or three recent years in the amount of 15-40%.
There are four types of champagne:
- Cuvees de prestige (special or delux) is considered the oldest and most aged sparkling drink from an expensive grape variety.
- White from white. Made from Chardonnay grapes (only white varieties) - blanc de blancs.
- White from black. The grapes "Pinot Noir" and "Pinot Meunier" are blank de noirs (red varieties).
- As a result of mixing and combining white and red wines, you get rose, that is, rose.
Sweet wines
Lovers of sweet, delicious wines need to know the best varieties. These include semillon (semillon), muscadelle (muscadelle), gewurztraminer (gewurzstraminer), tocai (tokai), riesling (riesling), muscat (muscat of Alsace), chardonnay (chardonnay). This list is far from complete, but this selection contains the most exquisite and popular varieties of sweet wine, loved by true gourmets.
In order to become a real connoisseur and a person who is well versed in wines, you need to know all the classifications, their meanings and basic facts related to the conditions and terrain of growing grape fruits. It is also very important to be able to select the right variety depending on the holiday or event. Even in spite of different tastes and customs, there are cases that require the mandatory presence of a certain bottle of wine. For example, how to celebrate and meet New Year without a good bottle of sparkling champagne? Many simply cannot imagine this particular holiday without it.
Let's summarize
Enjoy delicious drinks of all categories and varieties. Having tried each of them, you can draw certain conclusions and opt for one or more types. Moreover, the assortment is designed for every taste and wallet of a gourmet client. Although there are often excellent wines at a reasonable price. Especially often they can be found among new varieties that have not yet had time to fall in love with the world community, but are still endowed with excellent taste. Experiment, because everything in life is worth trying (within reason, of course)!
The American edition of Wine Spectator is considered one of the most authoritative in the field of winemaking. Tasters evaluate thousands of wines from all over the world throughout the year. As a result, a list is formed, which includes the so-called outstanding wines. All of them belong to the harvests of different years and are made from different grape varieties, but they are distinguished by excellent quality and richness of the bouquet.
We offer you to independently evaluate the Top-10, which includes the best wines in the world.
10. Achaval-Ferrer Malbec Mendoza Finca Bella Vista (2010, Argentina, price - from $ 120 per bottle)
The berries for this wine are harvested in vineyards, whose age reaches 300 years. They are located at an altitude of 3100 feet above sea level. Before getting on the counter, the wine spends in an oak barrel for at least 15 months.
9. Ciacci Piccolomini d 'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino (2007, Italy, price - from $ 60)
The producers of this wine are brother and sister Paolo and Lucia Biancini. During the production process, the wine is aged first in steel and then in wooden Savoy oak barrels.
8. Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon (Beringer Knights Valley Reserve) (2009, USA, price - from $ 45)
The Behringer family are pioneers of winemaking in the lands of California - they were the first to grow Cabernet Sauvignon and other varieties here. Nowadays, the age of the vineyards makes it possible to produce wines with the most exquisite bouquet.
7.Shea Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (2009, USA, price - from $ 40)
Winemaker Dick Shea is home to 200 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In the process of wine production, aging is used in steel, and then in wooden barrels. The batch of wine selected by the experts includes 3555 bottles.
6. Barton St. - Julien Ch? Teau L? Oville (2009, France, price - from $ 105)
This wine is obtained from grapes grown in Bordeaux. Wine producers, the Barton family, have been winemaking since 1836. The wine included in our rating is aged in oak containers for at least 18 months before being released for sale.
5. Ch? Teau Guiraud Sauternes (2009, France, price - from $ 60)
This white wine is made by mixing Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The wine of the 2009 harvest is considered the best in the region over the past 10 years. The entire batch of Ch? Teau Guiraud Sauternes this year totals 11 thousand bottles.
4. Clos des Papes (2010, France, price - from $ 128)
The wine producer, the Avril family, has been growing vineyards in the south of the Rhone since 1600. Therefore, this wine is the result of the use of the richest winemaking traditions. Clos des Papes wine is fermented in ceramic containers, and then aged in wooden barrels for a year.
3. Bella's Garden Two Hands Shiraz Barossa Valley (2010, Australia, price - from $ 69)
The wine is distinguished by subtle fruity notes, which are obtained by mixing grapes from 20 different vineyards. 300-liter wooden barrels help preserve the sunny and fruity taste.
2. Gigondas Chateau de Saint Cosme (2010, France, price - from $ 41)
The grapes for the production of Ch? Teau de St.-Cosme are harvested in the vineyards of the Barruol family, which has been making wine since 1490. The current head of the company is a 14th generation winemaker. The perfect taste of the wine is achieved by mixing three grape varieties.
1. Relentless Napa Valley Shafer Vineyards (2008, USA, price - from $ 60)
Surprisingly, but the best wine in the world, according to Wine Spectator, is by no means the most expensive. Wine company Shafer Vineyards was founded in California in 1978. The wines of this producer have topped the rating of the best for the seventh time.
Although winemaking did not originate in France, it is in this country that it has reached a very high level, which many other states are equal to. The whole world knows French champagne, especially some of it. For example, in Russia, since the 19th century, La veuve Clicquot champagne has become a popular drink. In France itself, this wine belongs rather to the middle price category - a two-year-old bottle can be purchased for 40-50 euros. Abroad, its price can increase significantly. Gourmets should pay attention to rosé champagne of this brand - it has an optimal price-quality ratio, and can also be stored for a long time, only improving its taste. Another famous one is Crystal. This wine can already be classified as elite. However, some experts believe that the benefits of this drink are exaggerated, and the same quality can be obtained from lesser known brands and winemakers.
Please note that real champagne is produced only in the Champagne region. Other French sparkling wines are categorized as cremant.
Sauternes are also popular in Russia for a long time - white wines with a particularly high sugar content. Even in the days of the Russian Empire, the Sauternes Chateau d "Yquem was very popular among the aristocracy - one of the elite varieties of wine. This wine has a very specific taste, but will decorate any wine collection.
The popularity of Sauternes is highly dependent on the season. In France, it is considered a traditional Christmas drink. Sauternes are served, for example, with foie gras with croutons.
Famous Italian wines
In Russia, Italian wines occupy an even larger market share than. In particular, in Italy wine is produced, the popularity of which dates back to the 16th century - Malvasia. This one has a bright and rich taste. Malvasia is infused with different varieties, which makes it a truly unique red wine. If you purchased this wine, you can store it for 10 years or more, but observe the necessary conditions- the cellar should be dark and cool.
Among inexpensive Italian wines, rose and red Lambrusco is gaining popularity. This wine has a light fruity taste and sweetness. Despite the simplicity of its taste, Lambrusco can be gourmet when served alongside the right foods - oily or.
