"To drink wine * is to drink genius" said Baudelaire.

But does the word “genius” necessarily rhyme with “overpriced”?

No, because good wine is no longer the preserve of those who do not look at the labels.

While quality comes at a price, it doesn't have to be astronomical to satisfy.

Here are some fundamentals when it comes to choosing a correct bottle, knowing that a good wine will be determined by its production method and its prestige.

The hypermarket wine fair

Buying in supermarkets reassures some consumers when others are frightened by its endless rays.

Every year, supermarkets hold their traditional wine fair.

To be sure not to be mistaken, the medals that adorn the bottles are a guarantee of quality.

So give preference to award-winning wines and do not hesitate to opt for the products put forward by the brand.

The latter are subject to serious controls by the Directorate General for Competition (DGCCRF) and are chosen by sommeliers who allow customers to guide their decision.

At the estate or at the property

If you prefer more confidential settings and personalized advice, go to a wine merchant, at the estate or in cooperatives. Wine merchants have a very wide price range: for example, a white Sancerre, very fruity and aromatic, is consumed "young", from 9 euros.

For those who like to wander around and discover new places, know that buying from the property allows real savings.

More advantageous and more user-friendly.

To find good addresses, rely on specialized paper guides.

Be careful, however: going to a producer implies an intention to buy a certain quantity.

After the tasting, you will have to opt for the purchase of a box of twelve bottles.

If there is no legal obligation in the matter, this use is considered as a tacit agreement.

If you consume little during the year, choose wines that will improve with age.

The Web and the bagou

Finally, the Web is a good tool for discerning wine lovers. Many sites are slashing their prices and destocking bottles up to -50%. The Wineandco.com site, for example, presents a very selective range and products recommended by the best winegrowers at reasonable prices. Vin-malin.fr regularly offers wine fairs with a hundred products at discounted prices. Likewise, many online wine merchants sell you bottles at advantageous prices like Vinatis.com and Lavinia.com/fr, while the concept of monthly boxes has been emulated among alcohol lovers thanks to sites like Lepetitballon. .com or Myvitibox.com.

Another tip: learn the vocabulary.

If you don't assume you've brought inexpensive wine, play the expert card.

Your red is full-bodied?

You will qualify it as robust and perfectly balanced.

It can also be "full-bodied", that is to say powerful and quite alcoholic.

Finally, if you have traveled the vineyards, indicate that it is "racy".

* Alcohol abuse is dangerous for health.

To consume with moderation.

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