"cheap wine" news and stories

People can't tell the difference between cheap and expensive wine, says psychologist Richard Wiseman after conducting a survey of 578 drinkers at the Edinburgh International Science Festival, reports The Guardian. The participants sampled a variety of red and white wines in a blind taste test with prices ranging from about $6 to $50. The results concluded that people could only tell the difference between cheap and expensive white wines 53% of the time, and 47% of the time for red wines.

In other words, it's about the same percentage as if they merely guessed. The Claret was the hardest to pinpoint, with only 39% getting it right, despite the price tag differences of about $5 for one bottle and $23 for the other. The Journal of Wine Economics backs up Wiseman's findings. Its 2008 study, "Do More Expensive Wines Taste Better?" reported that:

Individuals who are unaware of the price do not derive more enjoyment from more expensive wine. In a sample of more than 6,000 blind tastings, we find that the correlation between price and overall rating is small and negative, suggesting that individuals on average enjoy more expensive wines slightly less.

Maybe it's time to add some swill wine to that expensive Bordeaux collection.

Don't let Trader Joe's brainwash you into thinking their Two-Buck Chuck is the only game in town when it comes to inexpensive wine. There are plenty of affordable bottles out there that aren't utter plonk. Over at The Huffington Post, Alex Milling has compiled a list of some of her favorite wines for everyday occasions. They made not be the best wines you've ever had, but that's not the point -- what's important is that they certainly won't be the worst.

Get the list after the jump.

• A range of wine tomes to gift to those smitten with the inebriant, from the fictional story of a "Vintage Caper" to "When the Rivers Ran Red," the history of Prohibition in California.
• One Southern California writer speaks fondly of their eclectic holiday feast, which she lovingly likens to gathering the United Nations to table, in "the latest chapter of a colorful and tasty family history."
• A promising new establishment in Hollywood, Orale offers traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex fare, as well as unique dishes like tortilla paninis -- and encourages readers to polish the meal off with some sweet churros.
• Though the holiday reference is an enigma, Christmas Salad would pair well with your holiday meat of choice, with a vibrant, fruity base of oranges, beets and the fresh crunch of jicama.
• "Sneered at by aficionados and loved by just about everyone else," low-cost and debatably low-quality wines are nonetheless the quaff of choice for the American masses -- but can be enjoyed by connoisseurs and the general public alike in delicious, saving-grace cocktails.

Sean Minor Cabernet Sauvignon. Photo: Sean Minor Wines

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Throw out the phrase "Value Cabs" at a gathering of winos and you won't hear "Napa Valley," but you will hear "Chile."

To be honest, besides the excellent Root:1 Cabernet Sauvignon, I find most of the Chilean offerings at the $10 to $20 price point are too vegetal, tasting more of green peppers than ripe fruit. Luckily, plenty of other regions are making delicious, inexpensive Cabs that deliver with deep black fruit, hints of spice, cocoa and a nice finish. Here are seven to seek out.

7. Argentina: The Graffigna 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($13) is, like most Argentinean wines, incredibly well-made for the price. Step it up with the (No. 6) 2005 Grand Reserve ($20), which is a little more complex.

Five more Cabs for under $20 -- plus how to tell them apart at tastings without going crosseyed -- after the jump.

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

At Slashfood we're all about saving you moolah on the best food and drinks around. Here are five more Wine Steals to add to your "must-try" list.

5. Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro "La Planta" 2007 ($13): This Spanish red, made from 100 percent Tempranillo, has dusty plum and strawberry flavors with warm vanilla and allspice. With nice, grippy tannins and a lingering finish, it's a real winner for the price and one of best $13 wines I've had in ages.

4. The Sopranos Red Blend 2007 ($15): Its light, earthy bouquet speaks to Italy's terroir, but like Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri, it's fairly soft and round for an Italian mobster vino.

Three more Wine Steals and an ice cube (for wine, that is) poll after the jump.