An article published in the printed version of the Chicago Tribune, also covered by the Los Angeles Times, chose three Spanish wines out of four, recommended for their affordable price, as a way of getting the year off to a good start. `Cheap thrills´, written by wine writer Bill Daley, takes a look at the profile of the US consumer in these current times of economic strife. According to the critic, what better way for “consumers feeling the pinch” to combat a “cold and dark” January than by comforting themselves with a “good bottle of cheap wine” gathered around the family hearth. With this in mind, Daley recommends ‘Albariño Salneval 2007’ under DO Rías Baixas; a rosé under DO Campo de Borja, ‘Bodegas Borsao Rosé 2007’ and Torres ‘Sangre de Toro 2006’, under DO Cataluña.
The ongoing interest show by US consumers in value for money products and their tireless search for bargains is nothing new, especially where their leisure and free time is concerned. The US critic has built a consumer profile based on interviews with individuals from the US wine retail sector and a market research study submitted by Nielsen Co. The conclusion is evident; despite the credit crunch consumers are reluctant to deprive themselves of the pleasure of drinking wine, this is why the highest sales figures belong to those wines priced between $3 and $5, while those over $15 (€11) are identified by the consulting firm as the most difficult to sell.
According to Keith Janosik, regional wine manager for the supermarket chain, Whole Foods Market, information plays an important role in bargain hunting when the time comes to choosing between one wine and another. Janosik states that consumers stay clear of well-known brands and take heed of in-store wine merchant advice as well as subscribing to email lists which inform consumers about novelties and the latest offers available. Furthermore, although the Nielsen Co. study indicates an inclination towards local wines rather than imports, Janosik encourages consumers to explore Spanish wines as one of the regions which offer the best bargains.
This opinion is seconded by Bill Newton, head of Binny's Beverage Depot, who also praises the quality of Spanish reds made from the Garnacha grape variety which are characterised, in his opinion, by their medium-body, fruitiness and lustre.
When the time comes to naming the wines which are most in line with the above mentioned opinions, Bill Daley chose three Spanish wines from the four recommended which are on the market, selling for under $10. A threesome with an affordable price and undeniable quality which is backed by the three stars bestowed on each one at the Good Eating Festival 2008.
