Bitterness is balanced by lively acidity and a hint of mellowness, providing a lingering, satisfying aftertaste.

But this $9 one recalls the honest character of many of those wines, with its dark, earthy fruit flavors and lively acidity.

These were more substantial wines, filled with lush aromas, yet they retained their lively acidity and never tasted hot or alcoholic.

Regardless of where it comes from, good chardonnay needs to have lively acidity and great texture.

It is soft like merlot, and the fruit, accompanied by lively acidity, is mostly up front.

Some lively acidity, an attribute you might seek in good coffee or fine red wine, can also enhance chocolate.

Marzemino can produce light wines with lively acidity that can be slightly sparkling.

So have French and New Zealand sauvignons blancs with their lively acidity.

Though sweet, the wine is not cloying; its finish is near-dry, thanks to lively acidity.

The best chardonnays are simultaneously rich yet taut, with lively acidity and citrus and mineral flavors.