Expert's warning over little-known 'pronunciation tax' on wine
Ella Scott
Featured Image Credit: alvarez/Getty Images
Anyone who makes a habit of drinking good wine will know how intensely expensive the hobby can get, especially if you don’t know how to discover hidden gems or aren’t willing to tap into expert opinions.
If you’d put yourself in the latter camps, then you could already be an unwilling victim of something known as the ‘pronunciation tax’.
This so-called levy may stop you from sampling your new favourite drink and cause you to spend more money than you’d like because you’re gravitating toward tried-and-tested drinks with a reputation, and the price to match.
In his Drink Up column for Metro, wine industry expert Roberston Buckhaven made a case for ordering wines that you may not be able to pronounce.
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By doing this, you’re likely to experience something new and probably pay way less than you would for a regular Riesling, Malbec, or Chablis.
So even though a Xinomavro looks intimidating on paper, it’s more than likely going to be cheaper than a household type because it’s deemed a little bit more of a riskier buy.
“The margins on the unpronounceable wines are significantly lower and provide incredible value for money. They aggressively mark them down in price to keep the stock moving,” wrote Buckhaven.
Maxim Kassir, Head of Wine at The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London, agreed that less familiar wines are often a better choice in financial terms.
“Naturally, the demand for famous names is higher. Most guests prefer to stay on the beaten path. And as demand increases, so does the price – simple economics,” he said.
“Wines off the beaten path can offer great value for money. They are often the underdogs, but that’s exactly where the opportunity is.”
The alcohol expert continued, claiming that if guests can describe their preferences to their sommelier and indicate that they are open to trying something different, then it’s likely that they’ll get served something exciting.
“Personally, I look for wines made from indigenous grape varieties rather than international ones. Who needs another Chardonnay from Abruzzo? I’d rather go for Pecorino.”
Kassir added that if you aren’t sure where to start with wine then adhere to one of his recomendations
These include Slovenian Rebula, Feteasca Alba from Moldova, and Saperavi from Georgia.
Now that you know how to dodge the ‘pronunciation tax’, you may be interested in understanding what the so-called ‘drink of the summer’ may be this year.
According to experts, Vin Gris, also known as grey wine, is rising in popularity.
The alcoholic sup is made from red grapes but is so pale and pink that it almost teeters on the side of grey, which is where the translation comes from.
Vin Gris is made by pouring grapes into stainless steel vats and severely limiting maceration time.
Experts have suggested that the delicate beverage is best enjoyed chilled and served alongside a variety of dishes, such as seafood and salad.
If you and your significant other head out for dinner and drinks and discover you don’t fancy finishing the bottle, then please don’t throw it away!
Brian Street, Executive Chef at Cakebread Cellars, previously explained to The Takeout that your unwanted wine could be the secret ingredient to unlocking new heights in the kitchen.
“Cooking with wine is a great way to bring brightness and acidity to a dish,” he told the publication.
“And honestly, it's one of the best uses for a bottle you didn't quite finish. If the wine still has some life to it, it can do wonders in the kitchen.”