A term taken from finance, ‘value for money’ has become a staple in wine jargon for many years now. Since then, it’s been used regularly by merchants and oenologists when promoting or describing a wine, though we have to acknowledge that its use is not entirely consistent – something that can be explained by the subjective nature of evaluation, mainly in terms of “quality”.
In other words, while the price is expressed by an absolute number, in the evaluation of the quality many parameters factor in, like the assessment scale created by experience and practice; flavour preferences, that even unconsciously affect our judgement; the ability to distinguish the various characteristics of a wine, that not everyone has to the same extent; and many others. So, each time we come across the phrase “great value for money”, it’s great to add, at least in our mind, “according to the person writing this”.
Following this introduction, I can now share my personal preferences in white and red wines with a price range not higher than €8, taking into consideration the best value for money. The presentation order below is random.
Whites
1. Zitsa PDO Classico. Ranging at around €6 per bottle this well-made cool and light Debina of the local Zoinos Winery, is a first-class choice for every day.
2. Asprolithi, PDO Patras. This Rouvalis Winery Roditis wine, from mountainous Aigialeia, is priced at less than €7 and combines fruity flavours with volume and vivacity.
3. Methea (PGI Evia). Konstantinos Vriniotis combines Aidani and Monemvasia to create an aromatic, balanced, unexpectedly full-bodied wine priced at just over €6.
4. Ennea (9) (PGI Central Greece). Priced at just under €6 this Muses Estate wine combines Assyrtiko, Sauvignon Blanc and Trebbiano offering vivacious aromas and a fresh flavour.
Reds
5. Katogi Averoff Red. (Varietal wine). An enjoyable wine with subtle notes of wood on the nose, and a balanced mouth that combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Agiorgitiko. Around €8 per bottle.
6. Akres – Cuvée Prestige (PGI Peloponnese). Priced at under €7, this pleasant, drinkable red with a Agiorgitiko base by Giorgos Skouras does not disappoint.
7. Prinos (PGI Crete). The Diamantakis Winery offers us one of the most interesting versions of Syrah, with a lively, fruity nose and a full balanced mouth. It’s price ranges around € 8 per bottle.
8. Monograph – Notios Syrah-Agiorgitiko (PGI Peloponnese). This blend of two varieties, Syrah and Agiorgitiko, by Gaia Wines gives us a friendly wine with nice fresh aromas and a round flavour, priced at around €7 per bottle.
9. Enotria (PGI Crete). It’s hard to believe that this elegant wine with the fine tannins and the warm touch by the Douloufakis Winery in Dafnes, in Heraklion, Crete can often be bought for less than €5,5.
10. Ambelos Fos (PGI Peloponnese). This tasty wine, with the expressive nose and the soft light mouth by the Zacharias Winery in Nemea comes at just €4,5. It’s base is Agiorgitiko, strengthened with a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon.
