OFTEN, AFTER I’VE PRESENTED a wine tasting to people relatively new to wine, they are eager to ask questions: “How do I know I’ll like a wine?” “What’s an interesting wine?” “What’s a wine that tastes good and won’t cost too much?” “What would you drink with spaghetti? With salad?” And always, “What’s a good wine?”
Spaghetti and other Italian dishes are straightforward: choose an Italian wine, preferably one you haven’t tried before. A standout option is Castello di Albola Chianti Classico Riserva (around $28), particularly the 2013 vintage now available. Built on Sangiovese, it’s well balanced, velvety and elegant. Salad presents a different challenge: because salad dressings often contain vinegar, which clashes with wine, I generally advise avoiding wine with salad.
If you’re searching for an interesting wine, look beyond the usual countries. Lebanon, for example, produces noteworthy wines. Château Kefraya makes a compelling red (about $20) that blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. It shows a dark ruby color, a round, inviting mouthfeel and a hint of cherry on the nose.
Another way to find something intriguing is to taste a grape variety outside its traditional home. Pinot Noir, commonly associated with cool Burgundy, can express itself very differently when grown elsewhere. Sonoma County in California, a large region with diverse microclimates, includes cooler zones such as the Russian River Valley that suit Pinot Noir better than many warmer areas trying to replicate Burgundy’s profile. Patz & Hall, a respected Sonoma-based producer, offers a range of Pinot Noirs from broader Sonoma bottlings to single-vineyard wines (roughly $43–$90). These wines often deliver complexity, elegance and balance, making them a delight to explore.
So what makes a good wine? At its core, wine is about pleasure. A wine you enjoy—regardless of price, origin or label—is, for you, a good wine. Focus on what tastes good to you, try new regions and varieties, and let your own experience guide your choices.