Email- Experts say that wine can vary greatly, even within the same varietal. Italian Pinot Grigio may taste drier and have less body than French Pinot Gris.
- Don't assume that a wine will remain consistent across vintages. The same wine from the same producer may improve or decline over time, and the price may rise, making it a poor value.
- Having a screwcap doesn't necessarily mean that a wine is of lower quality than a wine with a cork. Given the prevalence of cork taint, many producers are turning to screwcaps or even glass plugs.
- Experts say that some wines carry a sure-fire mark of quality -- the name of a respected wine importer on the label. The most trusted importers include Kermit Lynch, Michael Skurnik, Polaner Selections and Therry Thiese.
- Certain varietals yield more bargain wines than others. While it can be difficult to find a truly outstanding expensive cabernet sauvignon, Eric Asimov says that France, South America, New Zealand and South Africa all produce superb sauvignon blanc at budget prices.
- A reputable wine shop should replace a bottle that is found to be tainted with TCA, a set of chemicals that produce an unpleasant smell known as cork taint. Tainted wines are described variously as smelling like canned mushrooms, mold, must, chemicals, wet earth or damp newspaper. Wine Spectator estimates that about 7% of all bottles are tainted. If you suspect your wine is tainted, bring it back to the shop and ask a salesperson to taste it.