10 tips for buying the right wine
1. Buy just one bottle
If you're discovering a new wine, start by buying one bottle, and one bottle only. Indeed, before investing in a case of 6, go for the single bottle and taste it in the right conditions to judge its quality. Does the wine's balance and mouthfeel correspond to what you like?
Make sure you taste it at the right temperature and that your palate is neutral (it would be a shame to taste it after a spicy dish or a piece of Roquefort cheese, for example).
2. Favoring local wine selections
Some supermarkets buy their wines from a single central purchasing office that buys large quantities. This excludes smaller wineries. Others have a regional selection, often of higher quality. If you're looking for rarer products, ask around - there's sure to be a wine shop in the center of your nearest big city.
3. Wine fairs and other themed trade shows
First of all, wine fairs: every year, wine fairs are organized all over France. They're a great opportunity to taste a wine before you buy.
Above all, don't put any pressure on yourself! Don't be afraid to go there completely uninhibited: in front of the professionals, dare to ask questions. That's part of the learning process.
Wine fairs generally take place from the beginning of September to mid-October. Each retailer or wine merchant offers its own selection. If you need to be advised and taste before you buy, make sure you ask about tastings. Not all offer them.
4.Don't judge a wine by its label
A final word of advice when you're browsing the many aisles of wine, don't rely on the label: it's not the label that makes the wine. Be more interested in the estate and the history of the wine than in the design of the label.
5. Be patient and observant!
Most wines are best when left to rest for several weeks in the cellar. Ask when you buy the wine, if you have the opportunity. Sales representatives and sommeliers at wine tastings know when wines are at their peak, i.e. when they will reach optimum maturity.
6. Vary the pleasures of taste
If you want to build up a wine cellar, alternate your purchases with wines for quick drinking and wines for laying down.
7. Avoid dust
If you see a dusty bottle on a supermarket shelf, don't buy it. You'll probably come across a wine that's been on the shelf for a long time, warm, upright and in the light. You're bound to be disappointed!
At your wine merchant's, depending on how it's stored, it could be a very good bottle, if it's a wine for ageing.
8. Deciphering wine prices and medals
Not all medals are created equal. It's important to remember that testing conditions at these competitions are far from uniform. The most serious are the Concours Général Agricole de Paris, the Concours de Bordeaux and the Concours des Grands Vins de France de Mâcon.
9. A good memory
It's important to remember where you bought the wine you liked so much. If you can't remember, which is no easy task, we recommend keeping a cellar register for your wine. As you make your purchases and tastings, write down your opinions, feelings and favorites in a computer spreadsheet -- for the most digital profiles -- or in a notebook for paper lovers. The aim is to be able to find where you bought a wine you particularly liked, and even its price, at any time.
10. Trust yourself
Take advantage of opportunities and don't hesitate to indulge yourself. Instinct can sometimes be a good thing!
And don't hesitate to share your comments, favorites and suggestions below.
(* according to the 2018 Sowine barometer: sowine.com/barometre/barometre-2018/page-1)