Wine Review: Prices must be considered amid time of tariffs

This is a column that I never thought I would be writing, in light of tariffs impacting the wine industry.

There can be no question that in many cases, price may become the determining factor in whether one buys an old favorite or is forced to reject it because of the new price. My position has dramatically changed. I must take into consideration the selling price of a wine as well as its quality.

Dealers will be forced to raise prices not only to cover the wine price increased by the tariff, but also to cover the loss of business that they are sure to encounter for the same reason. True to my practice in seeking wines that are of both quality and affordable, I will do my best to point out wines that are of value in every way.

I must digress here to inform the reader that the best value for your wine-buying dollar is the internet. Like you, I am annoyed by the added shipping costs that appear on the internet; however, I must also remind the reader that the price of shipping has already been added to the cost of the wine before it goes on the store shelf.

Kato 2023 Sauvignon Blanc ($20)
There is no one in the wine industry who can doubt that the finest sauvignon blanc wines come from the Marlborough district of New Zealand. Kako, the name of the producer of this wine, translates as harvest in Maori, the native language of New Zealand. The soil, the weather and the fine hand of New Zealand vintners work their magic on this often-misunderstood variety to produce a true champion. Both the aroma of the wine and the flavor stress the citrus and tropical fruit characteristics of the grape, while maintaining a slight fruity sweetness. This is a sauvignon blanc that is the perfect accompaniment to shellfish and other lightly prepared seafood dishes. It is also a wine to serve with mild cheese, and it works well as a sipping wine now that the warmer seasons and outdoor dining have arrived.

Ritual Organic Pinot Noir 2019 ($21)
A decent pinot noir at this price is hard to find, but I did find one. This excellent wine comes from the Casablanca wine grape-growing district, a place that butts up against the Andes in northern Chile and is rapidly becoming an area noted for its fine wine grapes. The traditional aromas of cherries and rose petals that are the signature of wines made from this grape are prominent and are joined by the aromas of cranberries. The cranberry aroma continues to the flavor where it mingles with cherry and plum. The background of this wine proves to be just as interesting by displaying cinnamon, clove, dark chocolate and oak, which then follow through to the finish where they slowly trail off to a smoky sensation. If the reader is a pinot noir lover but has been frightened away or forced to accept lower quality by their price, this wine will be a pleasant respite from shelling out your money for uninteresting wine.

La Vieille Ferme 2023 Rose ($12)
This wine is from France, and its name translates as “The Old Farm '' and proves that by displaying two roosters on the label. The wine offers a delightful pink color and the aromas of peaches and nectarines with a faint hint of citrus to invite the first sip. There is no disappointment with the flavor and finish, which emulates the aroma and lasts for a long time. If the reader is not familiar with Rhone Valley offerings, this wine is an excellent and affordable way to be introduced to a type and style of wine that has remained almost unchanged since ancient Roman times.

Wine columnist Bennet Bodenstein can be reached at frojhe1@att.net.