The international wine media is filled with many ratings of ‘value wines’ in every category possible. Value wines, as opposed to low-priced wines, can be loosely defined as those wines that taste like wines double or triple their price, therefore offering the consumer value for their money. The main thing is that the wine should “over-deliver”, should give you a really great experience, and it should make you go, “Wow, I can’t believe how inexpensive this is”.

In February’s edition of Wine Spectator, one of the world’s leading wine magazines, the editors picked 60 wineries from all over the world that consistently deliver high quality wines in a specified price bracket that their readers favour. That price point was US$30 or less; if that same wine was sold in Jamaica the price would be approximately twice as much because our Government charges about 100% in taxes and fees (US$30 x 2 = US60 x 127 = J$ 7,620) Few, if any, in Jamaica would consider a J$7,620.00 bottle of wine as a value wine, even half of that price is a stretch for most.

Thankfully, the eight wineries on that list that are represented in Jamaica do offer wines into our market at a lower, more acceptable price point. The wineries whose wines are available here include Robert Mondavi, Chateau St Jean, La Crema, Kendall-Jackson, Cline Cellars, Gloria Ferrer, Louis Latour and Catherine & Pierre Breton.

Here are three to try

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley. While this might be at the top of the budget, this wine is always a solid offering if you are in the mood for a rich, robust, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with pronounced tannins that is consistent. Pour and give it a little air and you will enjoy it a lot.

Cline Cellars Cashmere is a blend of Rhone varietals Mourvedre, Syrah, & Grenache made in a very approachable, easy to drink, playful style. This is a medium-full-bodied red wine.

Louis Latour Chablis is a lean, clean, lively fresh expression of Chardonnay. Many new wine drinkers prefer the new world fruit bomb style, but this French offering from the northern section of the wine-producing Burgundy region, halfway between Dijon and Paris, is still very relevant as it allows you to understand how Chardonnay from the original home of this grape variety tastes.

Because of our tax situation, our importers have to work really hard to find wines that will land at a price that the market will absorb. Keep trying new wines to discover the values in Jamaica.

Christopher Reckord – Information Technology Entrepreneur & Wine Enthusiast. Send your questions and comments to creckord@gmail.com. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram @chrisreckord and on Twitter: @Reckord