How wine ratings started?
A wine critic named Robert Parker popularised wine ratings in the 1980s. He is one of the most recognised wine critics, and he introduced the 100-point system that other critics follow to rate wine.
Wine ratings explained
You should know that wine ratings do not indicate how flavourful the wine is; instead, it denotes the production quality and its typicity.
The 100-point scale starts at 50 points and goes like this:
- 50-59 include flawed and undrinkable wines
- 60-69 include wines that are flawed and not recommended but drinkable
- 70-79 include flawed wines that taste average
- 80-84 include wines that are ‘above average’ to ‘good’
- 85-90 include wines that are ‘good’ to ‘very good’
- 90-94 include wines that are ‘superior’ to ‘exceptional’
- 95-100 include wines that are benchmark examples or ‘classic’
Problems with wine ratings
Some common problems with wine ratings include:
1. Critics have different opinions: Most experienced wine critics agree on the production quality of wine; however, their opinions differ when wines get into the 90+ range. There are primarily two categories of wine critics:
- Those who like complex and bold flavours
- Those who like complex and subtle flavours
Therefore, when you buy a wine based on ratings, study the source. Some critics are known for allocating lower ratings to wines than other critics do. It means you may like wine with 87-88 point ratings that you would not have otherwise considered based on the ratings alone.
2. Equally rated wines from different regions may taste different: You may love the Napa Sauvignon Blanc; however, you may not like the same wine from France that is equally rated because different regions have different tastes. Therefore, educate yourself about what you like and why, as ratings can only help you discover quality wines from new regions, but you will have to do your own research to find out if it will suit your personal taste. Go beyond the ratings and scores and focus on the flavour palette as well!
Now that you know how wine ratings work, you should buy only the best-quality wine. At Corking Wines, we only ship wine using inflatable wine pockets. We deal in a wide variety of premium-quality wines that will add a touch of class to your celebrations. We bring new and exciting wines from unexpected places to make your event more special. Our customers choose us because we put them first and invest our resources in sourcing the best french red wine for them and ensuring they are safe in transit. We handle every customer transaction with great care and expertise, enhancing their trust even more. For more information, call 01759740670, email enquiries@corkingwines.co.uk, or fill out our contact form.