The variety of popular types of white wine will match any meal
With the many types of white wines available it can be daunting to choose the right one for you. Below are brief descriptions of some of the world’s most famous white wines that will help you decide which bottle to enjoy with your next dinner. Take some time to look at the varieties in your local wine shop or browse through online wine stores to become familiar with the vineyards producing each type of white wine.
Chardonnay
Arguably the most popular type of white wine, Chardonnay grapes are enjoyed worldwide due to their midseason ripening and versatility. While flavors vary depending on where the grapes were grown, this white wine is enjoyed by those who prefer a rich citrus or fruit flavored wine with a wider body than most whites. Chardonnay can be made sparkling or still and compliments foods such as chicken and fish. Current areas that are producing good Chardonnays include California, Australia and New Zealand.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc, which originated from the Bordeaux region in France is a grassy, herbaceous flavored wine well known for its spicy or pungent aroma. This wine goes well with many different kinds of foods including seafood and poultry, peppers, cheeses and salads and is good young or aged. Australia has been known for producing a world class Sauvignon Blanc.
Riesling
Another of the most popular types of white wine, Riesling is a versatile wine whose grapes grow in many wine regions. The taste, which varies in flavor, includes sweet Rieslings, which taste of apples, apricots and peaches and dry Rieslings, which boast the flavors of lemon and herbs. Best coupled with white meats such as chicken, fish and pork; Rieslings are lighter than Chardonnays and boast a fresh characteristic. While Riesling grapes were originally from Germany, other countries and regions such as California, Oregon, South Africa, Italy, Russia, Chile and Australia are all producing respectable versions. ~Chenin Blanc
The Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape that is grown in France, South Africa and California and produces a wine that is fine and has tastes that vary from dry to sweet depending on the time of harvest. The best Chenin Blancs will be high in acidity and will feel thick in the mouth. This wine compliments foods such as white meats, seafood and spicy rice dishes.
Gewrztraminer
While not as refreshing as other types of white wine, this version is known for its pungent floral aroma and zesty, fruity flavor. Gewrztraminers range from dry and crisp to sweet dessert types and is best eaten with spicy foods and dishes such as Asian cuisine, grilled sausages and pork. Australia and New Zealand are currently producing excellent Gewurztraminer wines.
Pinot Blanc
A soft, light, fruity wine most often compared to Chardonnay, Pinot Blancs are usually dry and high in acidity with flavors of apples and spice. Due to the acidity, this type of white wine is best paired with salty or sweet foods, which will help to offset the acid bite. These wines do not age well are best enjoyed young. Currently, the best grapes for Pinot Blanc come from France and California.
Pinot Grigio
One of the most popular types of white wine, Pinot Grigio is the clone of Pinot Gris, the grapes for which grow in Italy, and is a crisp, light, dry wine known for its tangy flavor. Golden yellow in color with aromatic fruity flavors that improve after a couple of years of aging, this wine has very smooth overtones and is best paired with foods such as seafood, chicken, light pastas and cheese and crackers. Grown mostly in the Western coastal areas of the U.S and Italy, Pinot Grigio is a favorite amongst white wine lovers.
With the numerous varieties of white wine available, you’ll be sure to find one that suits your tastes. After all, the right wine for any meal is the one you like the best.Chenin Blanc
The Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape that is grown in France, South Africa and California and produces a wine that is fine and has tastes that vary from dry to sweet depending on the time of harvest. The best Chenin Blancs will be high in acidity and will feel thick in the mouth. This wine compliments foods such as white meats, seafood and spicy rice dishes.
Gewürztraminer
While not as refreshing as other types of white wine, this version is known for its pungent floral aroma and zesty, fruity flavor. Gewürztraminers range from dry and crisp to sweet dessert types and is best eaten with spicy foods and dishes such as Asian cuisine, grilled sausages and pork. Australia and New Zealand are currently producing excellent Gewurztraminer wines.
Pinot Blanc
A soft, light, fruity wine most often compared to Chardonnay, Pinot Blancs are usually dry and high in acidity with flavors of apples and spice. Due to the acidity, this type of white wine is best paired with salty or sweet foods, which will help to offset the acid bite. These wines do not age well are best enjoyed young. Currently, the best grapes for Pinot Blanc come from France and California.
Pinot Grigio
One of the most popular types of white wine, Pinot Grigio is the clone of Pinot Gris, the grapes for which grow in Italy, and is a crisp, light, dry wine known for its tangy flavor. Golden yellow in color with aromatic fruity flavors that improve after a couple of years of aging, this wine has very smooth overtones and is best paired with foods such as seafood, chicken, light pastas and cheese and crackers. Grown mostly in the Western coastal areas of the U.S and Italy, Pinot Grigio is a favorite amongst white wine lovers.
With the numerous varieties of white wine available, you’ll be sure to find one that suits your tastes. After all, the right wine for any meal is the one you like the best.