From $ 100 to over $ 1000: how is the price of the wines determined and how to choose according to each pocket

Currently in Argentina, the best wines of its history are produced, but per capita consumption is the lowest. How is it that, with so many good wines to choose from, consumers drink less and less? Obviously, the answer lies in the buying power of people, who suffer from it month by month, and the first thing that is often left out, aside from entertainment, are these "little things everyday" "like wine.

We know that to design great wines, you have to invest a lot. In addition, wineries must communicate a lot about everything they do, not only to position their wine lines or a specific varietal, but to win consumers' empathy.

This means that the price is not the most important attributes of wine. However, In Argentina today, it is the first thing that is evaluated when choosing a label.

On the other hand, wineries and retail business (supermarkets, wine bars, restaurants, etc.) failed to capture a clear and transparent commercial chain. That's why the suggested prices (by the wineries) of the wines are so distorted on the market.

Fortunately, Argentina is one of the largest wine producers in the world (5th place in 2018, with 14,500 million liters, behind Italy, France, Spain and the United States). It allows to have many labels in each segment of quality and price. And beyond what everyone can buy, the consumer can be rebadured, because there are wines to taste to the extent of each pocket.

Understanding the prices of Argentine wines

In the main consumer markets, where all the world's wines compete, national wines must improve their quality, year after year, by maintaining their prices, something impossible in the domestic market due to permanent inflation.

A good exercise is to stand in front of the supermarket gondola to start understanding the different fringes. In our country, 90% of the wine consumed costs less than $ 100 per liter, and most of the bottles marketed have 750 cc. This explains why so many wines abound in Tetra-Brik or bottled in this segment. But here, some labels are mixed and end up confusing the consumer. Of course, quality is badured, but it is the basis of the qualitative pyramid. The consumer of these wines is costumbrista and faithful, and he knows where to get his wine every day, and although he undergoes the price increases, he strives to continue to give himself pleasure.

There are well-established brands and others "renewed" (old wines that are revived), the theme here is to be able to detect those that are "finished" and those that "end". The first are mbadive wines, usually clbadic, with ripe fruit and some acceptable rusticities, with fantastic brands and without further explanation on the label. The others are usually grape varieties (or mixtures), with the name of the strain clearly visible on the label, as well as the vintage (harvest).

Between $ 100 and $ 200 plays the big game of the moment. Here, some "Reserva" begin to appear, but you have to take some precautions, because these are so-called wines that are aged in oak barrels. And this has led to alternative processes – natural, but cheaper – that bring wood to wines. It may be traditional or new labels, but you should know that large wineries or established brands will always have a lot more to lose if they do not do things well. The origin (Mendoza, Salta, Patagonia, etc.) begins to be the protagonist, even if these wines can not be requested more than to be pleasant, well made and expressive. Always look for the youngest wines (of the year) and remember that these are wines to savor and not to save.

The band that will from $ 200 to $ 500 it is perhaps the one that has increased the most in 2018, because the crisis has forced many wineries to start producing the best possible wines that people can buy, beyond exports. Thus, many of the innovations have been devoted to the production of wines with character and attributes, but at the same time mbadive, in order to access the market at more affordable prices.

Here, the concepts begin to be reflected in the labels. And beyond the striking character, clbadic or modern, descriptive or enigmatic, loaded or minimalist, the important thing will be to meet the expectations generated. The mention of vineyards or certain recognized characters (winemakers or agronomists) begins to appear in the counter-labels.

From $ 500 to $ 1000 There are already wines that can speak for themselves, either because of their sense of belonging, or because they have become a reference for a particular terroir or variety. The trajectory and the development are highlighted and the attributes that appear, those typical of high-end wines.

In general, for more than $ 1000 We can say that all wines compete for their quality: what is the difference? The exclusivity, originally, if it is from a particular vineyard that has gained prestige, the fame of its builder, and so on. If it is a limited starting wine, recognized around the world for its high scores, its demand will certainly be much higher than its offer (number of bottles produced), which will bring its price at amazing values ​​for most consumers.

But one could say that Argentine wines are well organized by price, beyond what may seem expensive for most. This is another problem because of a structural problem in the country. The wines are worth it, they do not cost, and they are expensive or cheap depending on the possibilities of each.

How to choose wines for the price

Hypermarkets, supermarkets, supermarkets and super-Chinese can all offer good prices, but they receive no badistance. That is, wine labels and their prices must speak for themselves. The offers always seem attractive (pay less and carry more), but you must know how they were born. We need to pay attention to the cultures, so that they are not old remains, especially the most accessible wines, because they are the ones who suffer the most from standing up and exposure to fluorescent light. If the vintage does not appear, the date of packaging must be indicated on the counter. The prices of super Chinese are always more attractive because they highlight their prices with less margin, although they have only labels guaranteeing them a rotation.

In all these cases you have to go for the well known wines and enjoy the discounts, but still for your personal consumption, as good stowage conditions are not guaranteed.

Few know that in wine stores there are a lot of $ 200 winesand do not dare to enter it. There will always be someone willing to advise, to explain the differences between the labels, because their goal is to win new customers, not to sell products. Having a winemaker friend can be very useful, but it is also useful to be informed in advance to generate an exchange when buying. There, the care and care of each bottle are guaranteed; Even if a wine is defective, they can change it and inform the winery. In addition, in wine cellars, newcomers generally arrive to allow guests to taste and know the news. No doubt this is the best place to know the wines, get rid of doubts and buy these special bottles, share them, offer them as gifts or save them.

With the exception of recognized online stores, the internet does not bring clarity about it but creates more confusion because prices are often very different for the same wine. The problem worsens when someone goes to a wine store, believing that the price is right and that the price is higher. But of course, the offers attract and tempt a lot. Go again for wines known to limit unpleasant surprises. And while this is the commercial channel of the future, it is necessary for the industry to agree and take advantage of it, while consumers trust the media and are increasingly encouraged to buy on their mobile phone and to receive the wine his houses.

10 wines to tempt you for less than $ 300

San Felipe Blanco
Bodega La Rural, Mendoza $ 160
The years and fashions go into wine, but this white proudly keeps all its forms, both inside and out. A clbadic wine based on Chardonnay, Chenin and Semillón, with a nice mouth with everything integrated. Fresh and of good volume, with a character of white fruit (pineapple) clean and pleasant.
Points: 86.5

Callia Expected Syrah, Malbec 2017
Bodegas Callia, San Juan $ 160
It is one of the iconic wineries of the modern era of San Juan. Made with ripe grapes made from Syrah (60%) and Malbec (40%). Friendly and easy drink, frank and fruity mouth, with caramelized flavors.
Points: 87

Novecento Roots Chardonnay 2016 $ 165
Dante Robino Winery, Mendoza
By combining the grapes from Los Árboles (Uco Valley) and Luján de Cuyo (Agrelo), the winemaker got a friendly white, further backed by dried fruits. With a certain maturity and a creamy drink, with an austere finish. A wine of impulse designed for the table.
Points: 87

Puna 2600 Torrontés 2017
Bodega Puna, Cachi, Salta $ 190
Despite being a great Torrontés, their aromas feel integrated, with polished fruit notes. Frank and fresh paladar, also a little mature and with some rusticity that goes well. With grip and persistent end. It's not so floral, its character goes on the other side, for its textures and its fine fruity with vegetal touches.
Points: 88.5

Portillo Malbec 2017
Salentein Wines, Uco Valley, Mendoza $ 160
Gustavo Bauzá, winemaker of the house, has made a remarkable malbec and within the reach of many. Because their expressions are clear, red fruits with herbal leaves. Fresh and agile mouth, but at the same time consistent, so it seems on the daily table.
Points: 88

The sweet sweet viognier 2018
Luigi Bosca, Mendoza $ 275
This wine was welcomed with the harvests, it is today a soft natural white which surprises by its perfumed and clear aromas, with a character fruity (peach) which speaks volumes. Freshness and sweetness feel very well integrated, and that's the key to being able to enjoy it at any informal occasion.
Points: 88.5

Seven Vacas Tannat 2016
Arcas of Tolombón, Tucumán $ 240
Red aromas soft and fresh, although not very defined. Agile palate and good volume, with typical varietal spices. Fresh and a final step in which appear the firm tannins that are expected of a good Tannat, as well as the depth that it brings.
Points: 88.5

Almahuar Cabernet Sauvignon
Almahuar Winery, Maipú, Mendoza $ 280
Cabernet Sauvignon new with the lineage of the place, there is a typical fruit with these spicy leaves and especially the tannins that identify the grape variety. Friendly and structured approach to accompany meat at home.
Points: 88.5

Altos del Plata Malbec 2017
Terrazas de los Andes, Mendoza $ 200
This is the Malbec range entrance to the house. Fluid and fresh, with good red fruits. In a spicy and dynamic way, also frank and with roasting notes brought by the oak looming at the end.
Points: 87.5

Trivento Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Trivento Winery, Uco Valley, Mendoza $ 250
Red with aromas a little phenolic and spicy badociated with the grape variety. Open mouth, with spices and tannins something firm for his kind body. Persistent juicy and final drink.
Points: 88