01/28/08 Wine Prices

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and today we are answering a question from the email. A listener writes to ask "why are some wines so expensive are the costs of basic ingredients really that far apart?" Well the prices of wines do vary but first let us begin with the fact that now I am addressing premium wines. And yes the basic costs of ingredients do vary. Different types of grapes sell at differing prices. A ton of Riesling grapes, are not nearly as costly as a ton of Cabernet Sauvignon. If the grapes are from a particularly renown vineyard they are likely even more costly. Many wines are fine being produced in stainless steel tanks from start to finish whereas, other wines will likely spend time aging in expensive oak barrels. Many white wines are produced, bottled and ready for sale, earlier than most red wines. So not as much capitol is tied up in the inventory. The level of quality and cost of glass differs. You can expect a higher quality bottle in a more expensive wine or a wine meant to be aged. If you are buying wine from a local wine merchant you are most likely receiving guidance and some education and that I would hope is worth something to you. Then of course, the laws of supply and demand will always be a factor in the pricing of a wine. These are just a few of the reasons wines may vary in their price. However, if you are looking for bargains rearrange your expectations, and keep a look out for wines within your budget that simply taste good to you. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.