What type of white wine should I drink? There are different types of white wine, from dry to sweet. How do you tell them apart?
White wine is an alcoholic beverage produced primarily from grapes grown in Europe and North America.
The term comes from the French word blanc, meaning “white” or “transparent.” White wine is usually consumed chilled and has a light body.
Several types of white wine exist, depending on where they come from and how they are made. Some are sweeter, and some are drier.
Dry white wines tend to be lighter-bodied and less acidic. Sweet white wines are often richer and heavier-bodied.
This article highlights the different types of white wine to help you choose the right one for your next dinner party.
How Many Different Types of White Wine Are There?
While Chardonnay, Blanc, and Reisling get the most attention, 20 different types of white wine grapes exist. We’ll explore the ten most popular options you can access today and how to pair them with food.
Different Types of White Wine
1. Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a moderately filling dry white wine from the Burgundy area of France. It is one of the most intricate and creative grape varieties available.
Depending on the type, they can be sweeter or dryer. However, Chardonnay’s distinctive finish prevents it from prevailing flat or dessert-like. It pairs well with halibut, prawns, crabs, and, most nuts, cashews.
2. Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the different types of white wine for people who don’t know what to order. Its zesty scents and fragrant, acidic flavors make it perfect for new wine enthusiasts.
This grape is aboriginal to the Loire Valley. It’s one of the most densely grown globally, producing a broad spectrum of earthy odors and tastes. It goes well with spaghetti, chicken, and chocolate mint.
3. Moscato
Moscato is a sweet, fruity wine best served as a dessert wine. It produces a fragrant and scented sparkling wine with zesty acidity.
Moscato grapes are among the world’s earliest unaltered vine varieties. Their silky flows and relaxed, sweet richness dance in the mouth, earning them the title of white wine. They go great with celery, pears, and ice cream.
4. Pinot Grigio
This wine has a light body and a bouquet of fresh, flowery scents, making it one of the most famous Italian wines.
Pinot Grigio has a wide range of flavors based on its cultivation region, ranging from dry varietals from Northern Italy to citrus, zesty flavors of New World Pinot Grigios.
There’s even a sweet-style Pinot Grigio created with good rot and delayed harvest grapes to generate candied, honeyed flavors.
Pinot Grigio is a heavier-bodied wine with a slightly less fruit-forward palate that will appeal to those who love thicker wines with a slightly less fruit-forward palate. It goes well with chicken, melon, and cream sauces.
5. Riesling
Riesling has many flavor characteristics to satisfy almost every drinker’s preferences. It’s a fragrant, powerful white wine with an intense bouquet.
It’s a terrific choice if you want something sweet to smooth off any heat. Its flavor may range from very rich to bone-dry.
Rieslings are often lighter, have a lower alcohol content, and are less prone to overwhelm the palate when consumed alone or with food. It goes very well with fish and dumplings.
6. Viognier
Viognier is a filled white wine with delicate peach, orange, and floral notes. It comes from the Northern Rhone area of southern France and has a round, rich, and strong flavor with an almost oily texture.
With less acidity than Chardonnay, these flavors are more likely to succeed, with a pleasant, fresh end and lingering aftertaste. Seafood, fried rice, and roasted chicken are perfect accompaniments.
7. Cortese
A glass of Cortese is the ideal white wine to unwind. It’s fresh, tangy, structured, and delicious, with a mellow herbal, smoky, and fruit aroma. The fairest Cortese wines emanate from northern Italy’s Piedmont.
While Cortese grapes are among the top vines, they require a warm environment to grow their fruit slowly. It complements most chicken recipes and salads.
8. Albarino
The stoned fruit flavors of peach and even jasmine in the beautifully refreshing Albarino white wine complement the zesty notes of citrus and grapefruit.
Most Albarino comes from Spain and Portugal’s Rias Baixas and Vinho Verde regions. Salads and cheeses go well with it.
9. Semillon
Semillon grapes have distinct herbaceous flavors, similar to sauvignon blanc but with a body and freshness akin to chardonnay.
Flavors seem to last better on the tongue and roof of the mouth and leave a more subtle sensation than the first sip. It is the third most often planted wine variety in France.
This one has a more opulent, zestier flavor than other white wines. It matches sweet potatoes, ham, and black bean soup well.
10. Gewurztraminer
Few wines are as tart and flowery as Gewurztraminers in terms of flavor. Even the sweetest white wines can’t rival the freshness and lush flavors of this French-German-quality grape.
Gewurztraminer has a special blend of flavors and aromas that entice you to drink them even before you’ve poured a glass.
Gewurztraminers are fragrant grapes that fool the perceptions into believing they’re richer and less sour than they are, resulting in some interesting effects. Sushi, creamy soup, and sweet chicken are all good pairings.
Final Thoughts
Wine is a great way to enjoy your meals. White wine is a versatile beverage that pairs well with many foods. You don’t need to be a sommelier to know what to serve with what.
Just remember to keep things simple! The different types of white wine listed here will help you create a menu that suits your taste and budget.
