Datassential (whoever they are) surveyed 4,500 red wine buyers for what they are looking for when they purchase wine. Here's what they found.
56% are concerned about the degree of sweetness/dryness.
50% want to know what style the wine is made in. (lighter, richer etc.)
49% want a description of the flavors. (fruit, oak etc.)
39% want to know the food affinities of the wine.
34% want to know a brand name or producer.
24% want to know the place of origin of the wine.
22% want to know the alcohol content.
16% are concerned about the wine's acidity.
And 11% want to know nutritional information. (organics vs additives)
Datassential says most red wine buyers enjoy their wine with the meal but entertaining is a close second. They also like the fruit-forward style with a sweetness/dryness balance that works for them.
For us, food pairing is paramount so everything else must work to that end. With that in mind, the wine style and place of origin should at least be considered as a factor for the enjoyment of a meal. Thanksgiving is coming up and the traditional holiday dinner is a sweeter meal, so for that one, the wine doesn't need to be bone dry. With regard to the last four considerations on the list; alcohol content, branding, the nutritional stuff and acidity; those are all really personal decisions that should be respected by all of us.