People often ask me what makes a good wine… good. The simple answer is: if you like it and you enjoy it, then it’s good. Ignore what the magazines and the ratings and the snooty people at the wine shop tell you. If you like it and you want more, then it’s good, and that’s that.

On a more general note, what makes a good wine is balance. There are different flavors in a wine, from the fruit flavors of the grape to tannins (sharper, more bitter) from the skins, acidity, and of course alcohol. These flavors need to be in balance to compliment each other.

A well balanced wine is like an experienced piano player striking three notes at once to play a perfect chord. There is a certain harmony in the taste.

A poorly balanced wine is like a cat leaping onto the keys. It’s just annoying and bothersome.

An excellent example of a well balanced wine is the new Riesling Kabinett from Donnhoff. This is an excellent white wine where the fruit flavors of green apple, pear, and apricot jump right out at you, but are balanced by a tinge of acidity and just enough sweetness to make the fruit seem right. At around $25 a bottle, this is still an excellent value.

Pair this with just about any food, excepting heavy, rich sauces and cream-based dishes, like anything with alfredo sauce.

Or, just chill this bottle down to about 50 degrees and drink it on it’s own. It certainly stands up to it, and you won’t be disappointed.