Surprisingly, the myth that the more expensive the wine, the better it is — a belief that originated during the Renaissance, when collectors hunted for ancient sealed amphorae — still circulates among wine enthusiasts. Yet modern grape varieties and advanced production technologies now allow winemakers to achieve impeccable quality in far less time and, consequently, at a much lower cost. Evgeniy Strzhalkovsky, owner of the Italian winery Scarpa, shared with us the secrets of making the right choice.
“The practice of blind tastings — when wine is sampled without knowing the producer, price, vintage, or other characteristics — has shown that expensive doesn’t always mean better. Comparatively affordable wines can be well-balanced and even more enjoyable than overrated ones. The key to understanding wine lies in your own sensations, which matter more than trends, ratings, or someone else’s opinion,” says Evgeniy.
“The raw material comes from ripe clusters of technical grape varieties grown in warmth and sunlight — which is why northern regions are unsuitable for large-scale vineyards. The uniqueness of wine depends on the terroir, natural influences, and production practices. When a wine is aged in oak barrels, cellars, or bottles, it requires time, space, and conditions that increase its cost.”
According to the expert, a number of noteworthy wines are now produced in southern wine regions. Thanks to the soil composition, proximity to the sea, and the contrast between day and night temperatures, the grapes grown there develop optimal characteristics for aroma and flavor, resulting in high-quality wine. At the same time, prices remain relatively low due to simplified logistics and the absence of import markups. The production cost of such wines starts at about 500 rubles per bottle, reaching consumers at around 1,000 rubles.
“The Don Valley is also showing progress, but the quality of the final product directly depends on the equipment and technology used by the winery. Wines made from old grapevines are especially prized,” notes Evgeniy Strzhalkovsky.
According to the expert, imported wines of good quality typically start at around 1,500 rubles per bottle.
“Focus on subjective balance and freshness of taste. True wine quality reveals itself not in the price, but in the harmony of aromas, flavors, and aftertaste. No element should stand out or overpower the rest. If the wine is too acidic or too alcoholic, it’s a sign of poor quality.”
Pleasure should come from the taste, not the price — that, experts agree, is the essence of enjoying wine. As for whether to choose domestic or expensive imported bottles — the decision remains entirely up to the consumer.
