LEARN ABOUT WHITE WINES
White wines are picked and pressed instantly with their skins discarded. By not having skin left on during the brewing process the wine cannot pick up the color of the grape and therfore is left white. Also to note that white grapes also vary in color by type. However the color of the white will vary slightly between whites from darker whites to lighter whites for a variety of reasons including what type of wood or storage for the wine in use.
White wines are generally great with chicken and white meats as well as seafood and certain types of pasta. As with all wines the final decided factor is what you like in a wine. We hope the below list of white wines can help you more easily decide what you like in a wine. Trying a wine is the best and only way to be certain but this will help clear your mind for a generalization to help you find the right body and flavors to start with for yourself. After you learn about white wine and tpes of white wine grapes take a visit at our online wine store you may find something you like.
WHITE WINE
TYPES OF WHITE WINE GRAPES
Carmenere
<car-men-yehr>
A strong backbone in numerous wines from Chile. This type of white wine grape offers the tastes and aromas of plums and spice. Carmenere is a full bodied wine and is low in tannins. Carmenere also offers a very deep red look to a wine. Try with lamb or exotic meats.
Chardonnay
<shar-don-ay>
Chardonnay wines are very crisp and generally very acidic. Chardonnays are found on just about every menu and are high in popularity. Pair a chardonnay with salmon or chicken in creamy buttery sauces.
Chenin Blanc
<che-nin-blahnk>
There are two distinct styles of the Chenin Blanc grape. Those born of french soil tend to be sweet and those born in South Africa tend to be more of a dry wine. Chenin Blanc contains a high acidic content and the longer it ages the sweeter it can become. The wine offers flavors and aromas of honey, apples and fresh flowers. Try these wines with white meats, fish or fresh salads.
Gewurztraminer
<guh-werts-trah-meen-ehr>
A very spicy wine lead by the aroma of lychee and flowers can be detected at first opening. Gewurztraminer needs its acidity to avoid tasting flat and will typically be a dry sweet wine. Since this wine already contains a spicy flavor it works exceptionally well with foods of the spicy nature.
Muscat
<mus-kat>
Muscat Is a variety type of white wine grape all under one roof so to speak. The countries that produce the grape under different names are France, Italy, South Africa and Australia. The most widely known and used is the Muscat blanc a petits grains rouds which features a not only a musky aroma but a nice full body. Muscat can be used to produce great dessert wines and can be consumed as a meal all by itself or as an aperitif.
Pinot Blanc
<pe-no-blahnk>
Both a blending wine and a stand alone wine but simple in and full bodied. Pinot Blanc can be used to design late harvest wines to bring out the sweetness and contain aromas and flavors or apples, pears and even hints from the soils such as earth or minerals.
Pinot Gris-Grigio
<pe-no-gree/gree-jee-o>
Pinot Grigio is an Italian version of this grape while Pinot Gris is the French version. Pinot Grigio is crisp, light and dry and Pinot Gris is sweet and rich in flavor. Both versions of this wine tend to be citrus based with floral and honey aromas. Try Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio with Seafood or salads.
CONTINUE WHITE WINE
Riesling
<rees-leng>
This German wine has the fresh taste of apricots, pears and citrus. Riesling wines have a great acidic level and a very nice fruit body with a crisp after taste. German Rieslings can be very sweet especially the Auslese and Spatelese as they have been left on the vine longer to ripen and sweeten. Rieslings go great with chicken and fresh fruit dishes and when chilled slighty will be delicious by its lonesome.
Sangiovese
<san-gee-o-vay-zee>
A very late to ripen grape that have a very thick skin. Sangiovese have a high acidic content and taste of red berries that can almost seem sour or tart. However if harvested incorrectly it will be so overly acidic it would render it almost undrinkable. A good Sangiovese will be a treat for anyone with a taste for the higher acids. Try with tomato based pastas and tomato dishes.
Sauvignon Blanc
<so-veen-yawn-blanc>
If you have not had this wine its time to give it a go. Sauvignon Blanc goes well with an abundance of food types and is delicious! Sometimes described as dry, sweet or crisp; this wine goes with Salmon, chicken, cheeses (of all types) and even barbecued meats.
Semillion
<sem-el-yohn>
A very dry wine with a low acidic content is the Semillion. Many wines that are excellent dries contain nothing but 100% Semillion and can be blended to make some of the most delicious dessert wines around. Try this wine with a seafood or shellfish dish.
Viognier
<ve-on-yay>
On first drink of Viognier you'll be blasted with the fresh tastes of citrus, tropical fruits and delicious peaches. This wine contains a very high alcohol content and should be consumed with shellfish or even spicier foods. One thing to keep in mind with Viognier its generally not very cheap especially the better higher end brands that are mainly made from this grape.
Hopefully this list of white wine grapes will help you find a white wine that fits your mood and style or even dinner that you are working on. We certainly hope you enjoyed learning about white wines and if you are looking for a good source to buy them from we have that here as well.
BUY GOOD QUALITY WINES
LEARN ABOUT RED WINES
READ WEEKLY WINE ARTICLES
|