Finding a good wine at a good price

It seems as though everything we want to purchase these days is going up in price except housing. Unfortunately, wine is no different. However, there are bargains to be found, and these wines offer value, ie, quality at a good price.

The primary reasons prices on European wines have escalated are the substantial decline of the dollar against the Euro and transportation costs due to the huge increase in fuel prices. For example, the AOC designated wines from France — especially those from Bordeaux and Burgundy — have shown notable price increases with the classified growths being well out of range for the average wine buyer.

But, if you look for other wine designations from France, there are bargains to be found. One of these is Vin de Pays
( van deu pay-YEE ). The term literally means “country wine” and is the third highest wine-quality level in France’s quality control system. The two higher categories are Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) and Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure (VDQS).

Vin de Pays was legislated in 1979 allowing producers to distinguish wines that were made using grape varieties or procedures other than those required by AOC and VDQS rules, but distinguishing them from the commercially non-viable Vin de Table category.

Even though the standards for the wines are less strict, many producers make some beautiful wines at great prices. Wines labeled Vin de Pays d’Oc indicating the wines come from the Languedoc region of Vin de Pays are fairly common on store shelves. Of course, some of the wines are not good values. That is where your wine retailer can help you by being familiar with the better producers.

Most AOC and VDQS categories do not inform you of what is in the bottle. Unless you have a working knowledge of the category, you have no clue. Vin de Pays labeled wines frequently have the varietal on the front or the blend on the back. This has been a conscious attempt to make French wines more consumer friendly, particularly in the United States.

Typically, Vin de Pays wines can be found under $10 with some as low as $6. It still amazes me how a good wine can be made in France, go through all of the hands taking their individual cuts, and be put on my shelf at under $10. I love it.

There are, of course, other countries, including the United States, that are producing quality value-priced wines. Argentina is one of the most notable. In spite of higher prices, you don’t have to suffer a decline in the quality of your wine purchases. There are plenty of good bargains available. Just ask.

Monroe Baisden is the owner of Chateau du Reaux, a wine shop on East Davis Street. E-mail him at