Consumatori con la vista debole – Shortsighted consumers

A feature on consumers’ perception of the price of wine, trying to put light on the dramatic increase on the price of wine the Italian market has experienced lately. Written by Slawka G. Scarso. First published in Bibenda – October-November 2004

INCIPIT

When talking about prices, consumers appear to be short-sighted.
More to the point, talking about the price of wine means talking about the perception of price we have, and it’s easy to represent this perception through the sense we all consider to have perfectly tamed. That is sight.
How does the consumer “see” price? And how sensitive is he to this element, bearing in mind that sensitivity is measured as the range between a minimum and a maximum price considered as acceptable for a bottle of wine?
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Alto Adige – Incontri con le aziende – A tasting of wines from Alto Adige

A feature on wines from Alto Adige, with an introction by Slawka G. Scarso and Luca Grippo. First published in Bibenda - October-November 2004

INCIPIT
Sometimes a blind envy arises in us, or in a part of us which we prefer to hide, for those who seem to succeed in everything they do. An envy which bereaves us of the capacity to note all those human errors from which none of us can escape. This is what happens when speaking of Alto Adige. Excellent wines, sold at adequate prices, certainly more convenient, on the same quality standard, than elsewhere in Italy.
How do they do it?
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A sample of tasting notes from the article
Cantina Nalles & Magrè Niclara
A.A. Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Anticus Baron Salvadori Riserva 2000 89/100

Ruby-garnet red, it smells of sweet and piquant spices, blackberries jam and morello cherries. Of good impact on the palate, it is balanced, with the alcohol note in slight evidence and subtle tannins. Fine structure and cherry character on the finish. 22 months in barrique. Excellent with pheasant pie.