CERTAIN WINES have reputations tarnished by the connotation of “cheap.” They’re usually the lowest-priced offerings on a restaurant wine list and shelved near the floor in a wine store. Often described by unpromising adjectives like “affordable,” “drinkable” or simply “fun,” they include wines such as Beaujolais, Chianti, Pinot Grigio, Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadet. And their reputation for cheapness knows no borders. Just last week, I served a French dinner guest Muscadet and was informed, “That’s a wine we drink in bistros for 3 euros.”While...

Source: Wall Street Journal March 29, 2018 15:00 UTC