During this wine fair period, choosing a bottle at the supermarket is not always easy. Among the medals and the slashed prices, one can also wonder from what price a fair remuneration for the producer is guaranteed.
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In the wine section of supermarkets, while wine fairs are multiplying this September in supermarkets, the interest of the famous medals that mark certain bottles depends on the price. If you buy an entry-level bottle, for less than five euros, the medal guarantees you a flawless wine, which is interesting. On the other hand, beyond five euros, they no longer really have any meaning. Producers pay to participate in these competitions and the medals are awarded by the hundreds. Which obviously dilutes the value of each one.
As for the bottles under two euros that you find at wine fairs, you are generally dealing with industrial wine, but it can also be a cheap artisanal wine. As we consume less wine, we produce too much. As a result, some producers end up selling their lots for next to nothing.
But if you buy a bottle of artisanal wine for two euros, the producer will not even receive half, between the price of the container, transport, distributor and VAT. This is why the Fnsea of Gironde, which represents farmers, came up with a minimum price earlier this year. This price would be at least three euros per bottle, for fair remuneration for the producer. According to a wine market specialist, contacted by franceinfo, it is better to expect five euros for a bottle that is both good and respectful of the producer.
On the label, 95% of the bottles bear either the AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée) or the IGP (protected geographical indication). These acronyms designate products whose quality or reputation is linked to the place of production, processing or development, but whose ingredients do not necessarily come from this geographical area.
On the other hand, the alcohol percentage is a good indicator. If you are looking for a light wine, for an aperitif or a picnic, choose one around 11%. If the bottle is intended to be drunk at the table, you can opt for a wine around 14%. Also take a look at the advice given on the back of the bottle, on the back label.
Finally, there are apps that can guide you, with label scanning and a rating system.