If someone asks you about your favorite wine, and your only answer is ‘white,’ this blog post is dedicated to you. The world of white wine is expansive, and life is too short to drink a wine that you don’t really enjoy. So, read up, and hopefully you’ll find a white wine you love, or at least learn something along the way!
When are white wines served?
Although the experts say red wine came first, white wines are the ones typically served at the front end of the meal. Generally speaking, white wines are a bit lighter and are typically paired with lighter dishes and appetizers.
White wines are also typically served chilled, as a more refreshing drink, making them popular in the summertime.
You might also find a drink menu that features a white wine cocktail or two. Mimosas are a classic option, but this category would also include spritzers and sangrias.
What are some common white wines?
Chardonnay
What started in France has expanded to be a worldwide favorite, thanks to a versatile grape and great flavor. Classic chardonnay is a dry white, that’s sweet and often fruity, but can have different flavors depending on where and how it’s made. American wineries in California for example, have taken to aging their chardonnay in oak barrels, giving it a buttery flavor.
Best served chilled, chardonnay is the most popular choice for a white wine. However, thanks to the range of flavors that it can have, it’s best paired with a dish that matches its weight.
Moscato
Moscato is a sweet, smooth wine that comes in a variety of styles (you might’ve heard of pink moscato or seen it as a sparkling wine). Looking for a fun fact to wow your friends with? Moscato is one of the only grapes that tastes the same as its wine. If you find yourself in a vineyard, try one, just don’t swallow the seeds!
You’ll often see moscato as a dessert wine, however, the sweetness also lends itself well to pairings that are opposite in flavor, like a curry or cheese and cured meat.
Riesling
Another popular sweet wine is riesling. It’s bright, light, acidic, and often fruity, making for a very versatile and food friendly wine!
Experts recommend riesling to be served chilled. You might see it at a fancy dinner party being used as an aperitif, but it also pairs well with lots of entrees ranging from red meat to asian spices.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon blanc is a wine that’s flavors change depending on where it originates, but typically, you’ll find it to be dry, crisp, and light bodied. You might’ve heard people associate it with earthy or herbal notes.
Since it’s a lighter wine, you’d ideally pair it with something light (chicken or a flavorful cheese work great). Anything seasoned with basil or rosemary would be tasty too.
If someone asks you about your favorite wine, and your only answer is ‘white,’ this blog post is dedicated to you. The world of white wine is expansive, and life is too short to drink a wine that you don’t really enjoy. So, read up, and hopefully you’ll find a white wine you love, or at least learn something along the way!
When are white wines served?
Although the experts say red wine came first, white wines are the ones typically served at the front end of the meal. Generally speaking, white wines are a bit lighter and are typically paired with lighter dishes and appetizers.
White wines are also typically served chilled, as a more refreshing drink, making them popular in the summertime.
You might also find a drink menu that features a white wine cocktail or two. Mimosas are a classic option, but this category would also include spritzers and sangrias.
What are some common white wines?
Chardonnay
What started in France has expanded to be a worldwide favorite, thanks to a versatile grape and great flavor. Classic chardonnay is a dry white, that’s sweet and often fruity, but can have different flavors depending on where and how it’s made. American wineries in California for example, have taken to aging their chardonnay in oak barrels, giving it a buttery flavor.
Best served chilled, chardonnay is the most popular choice for a white wine. However, thanks to the range of flavors that it can have, it’s best paired with a dish that matches its weight.
Moscato
Moscato is a sweet, smooth wine that comes in a variety of styles (you might’ve heard of pink moscato or seen it as a sparkling wine). Looking for a fun fact to wow your friends with? Moscato is one of the only grapes that tastes the same as its wine. If you find yourself in a vineyard, try one, just don’t swallow the seeds!
You’ll often see moscato as a dessert wine, however, the sweetness also lends itself well to pairings that are opposite in flavor, like a curry or cheese and cured meat.
Riesling
Another popular sweet wine is riesling. It’s bright, light, acidic, and often fruity, making for a very versatile and food friendly wine!
Experts recommend riesling to be served chilled. You might see it at a fancy dinner party being used as an aperitif, but it also pairs well with lots of entrees ranging from red meat to asian spices.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon blanc is a wine that’s flavors change depending on where it originates, but typically, you’ll find it to be dry, crisp, and light bodied. You might’ve heard people associate it with earthy or herbal notes.
Since it’s a lighter wine, you’d ideally pair it with something light (chicken or a flavorful cheese work great). Anything seasoned with basil or rosemary would be tasty too.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot grigio, a lighter, genetically mutated cousin of pinot noir grapes, is relatively new to the U.S., but has become a popular choice for wine lovers in the states. It’s crisp, dry, and smooth, the perfect choice for a hot summer day.
If you’re having something with more neutral flavors for dinner, like a salad or fish, pinot grigio is a great addition to your meal.
What are white wine blends?
White wine blends are simply white wines that are made with multiple types of grapes. Don’t look down on a blend– mixing grapes has helped wineries create a well-rounded product for centuries. Some popular examples of white blends you might see on the shelf include Bordeaux Blancs and Champagnes.
How to use white wines for cooking
Chefs everywhere use white wine in the kitchen. If you want to pretend to cook as well as them, you’ll want to choose a white wine that’s dry, low in alcohol, and that you’ll enjoy sipping while you make dinner. Some popular whites to cook with are sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, and chardonnay.
Ready to dip your toes into the world of white wine? Let us know if you have more questions by leaving them in the comments section– we’d love to hear from you and even help you out!