High-end red wines often carry a prestige and price that may not align with their quality. Sommeliers from across the U.S. recommend caution when considering popular choices. Notable mentions include Super Tuscan wines, which employ international varietals instead of the region's native grapes, and Red Burgundy, which has gained notoriety for its high cost relative to quality. The list highlights varietals and regions that typically receive acclaim yet may not deliver value, urging consumers to be mindful of their selections before purchasing.
"I think the most overrated red wine category is Super Tuscan. Tuscany has some beautiful wines to offer and in my opinion these are usually not them. The use of international varietals isn't needed in this region that already has some of the most noble wine regions - Chianti and Montalcino, I'm looking at you. While I do appreciate that the movement started as a rebellion against wine laws, it's a style that often tends to be oaked and very bold - not a go-to style for me. Long live Sangiovese and monovarietal Canaiolo!" -Jacqueline Pirolo, owner and beverage director, Macchialina, Bar Bucce, and Fluke, Miami
"All right, I'll put on my red hat and fall on the sword, here: Red Burgundy has become an unfortunate case study for how disconnected one can get from the cost of a wine versus what's actually in the bottle. Look, I love the rolling hills and hyperspecificity of climats as much as the next guy - I'll even enjoy a cheeky lieu-dit bottling on occasion. But the complex pricing can lead people to overspend for a wine that might not deliver on the expectation." - Anonymous sommelier
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