Spec's President John Rydman has tasted the most expensive wines in the world, but he says it is possible to find wine that's as good, or better, for just a few dollars per bottle.
"A lot of these people are drinking the label," he said, "and we're more about the juice than we are about the label."
His advice? Look for lesser known wines from the same region as their pricier counterparts.
A Chateau Margaux Bordeaux sells for $270 per bottle, but the wine from its neighboring vineyard is $30.
"It's the same grapes, the same soil," Rydman said.
Another stunner were some Italian Pinot Grigios that were almost identical -- the Santa Margherita is $19 while the Monte Campo is about $7, $12 less.
"If you want to buy the label, it's there," Rydman said. "If you want to buy the flavor, you buy Monte Campo."
A Ruffino Chianti costs $21, but for just $6, even self-proclaimed wine snobs love a wine by Levata.
Overall, it really does pay to ask an expert. There are some wines that are practically identical to another, but they can be cheaper because they're bottled in a different Italian town.
"Most people would never know the difference," Rydman said.
In a blind taste test conducted at Whole Foods, a $6 "365" Brand Merlot was compared to a $15 Keltie Brook. Also, a $5 Harthill Farm Chardonnay was compared to a $15 La Crema.
"They're both very similar in their taste," Whole Foods wine expert Cody Lincicone said.
All three taste-tasters chose the $6 Merlot over the $15 one.
"I preferred the cheaper of the red?" taste-tester Gerda Gomez said. "I'm surprised!"
Taste-tester Anna Gray was of a similar sentiment.
"Wow, I was tricked!" she said.
Two out of the three taste-testers chose the $5 Harthill Farm over the $15 La Crema.
"It's amazing," taste-tester Melodi Weinberg said. "I like it so much better."
Taste-tester Gomez, who picked the expensive wine, said the two were similar.
"If I knew the price," she said, "I'd go with the cheaper one because it was close!"
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