Tips and Tricks: 6 Simple Ways To Tell Fine Wine From Cheap Wine

Do you enjoy a glass of wine, and wonder if you’re drinking good quality wine? Read on to explore a few ways to tell fine wine from cheap wine.

Ways To Tell Fine Wine From Cheap Wine: Tips for the Novice

There is nothing quite like the taste of a glass of fine wine. Whether you’re enjoying it with a meal or simply sipping on it while relaxing at home, wine can add a touch of sophistication to any occasion. 

But what do you do if you’re not an expert on wines? How can you distinguish between a good bottle and a cheap one?

Don’t worry—we’re here to help! This article will share ways to tell good wine from cheap wine.

Check the Price

The price is the first way to tell the difference between a good bottle and a cheap one.

If you’re looking for a good bottle of wine, be prepared to spend at least 15 dollars. Anything less than that, and you’re likely dealing with a low-quality wine.

Check the Label

Check the label for certain words. Look for terms like “reserve,” “vintage,” or even just using numbers, such as “100% Cabernet Sauvignon,” which indicates that all of the grapes in this bottle are from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety.

If a wine doesn’t have any of these words on the label, it’s likely not a very good bottle.

Check the Region

If it comes from a region like California or France, the chances are that it will be better than something made in South America.

This reason is that wines produced in these areas tend to be crafted from higher-quality grapes and better winemaking techniques overall.

Check the Alcohol Content

If you’re looking for a high-quality fine wine, it’s going to be around 13% Alcohol By Volume (ABV) or higher. Anything less than that, and you’re likely dealing with something lower quality.

Check the Color of the Wine

When you pour it into a glass, the color of red wine should be a deep red hue.

If it’s too light or has any brown tints to its coloration, then those are signs that this particular wine might not have been made with excellent grapes or techniques and therefore wouldn’t taste as lovely on your palate!

Check for Sediment

If you see sediment or bits of cork floating in your wine, that’s a clear indication that it is an old bottle. Generally speaking, if a wine is more than a few years old, the quality will start to diminish—so you might not want to bother drinking it!

These are just six ways to tell good wine from cheap wine, but there are many more! The most important thing to remember is that it’s always best to ask a wine expert if you’re not sure! Begin expanding your wine palate today!

Recipes to Enjoy with Your Wine:

• Coq au Vin
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