White wines are classified by French regions, but Italian and German wines are also popular. Chardonnays are complex with oak, citrus, melon, and butter flavors. Sauvignon Blancs have higher acidity and smoky flavors, while Muscats and Rieslings are sweet and light. Gewurztraminers have a distinctive aroma and flavor. Blended wines can be excellent, and Pinot Grigio is similar to Sauvignon Blanc.
White wines come in several types and are often classified by the French regions where their grapes were once grown. However, other wines from Italy and Germany are also quite popular and make excellent choices to accompany meals or desserts. Here are some of the most popular types of white wines:
Chardonnays are some of the more popular whites. The grapes are often used in the production of sparkling wines, as well as in the typical “still” wines. Chardonnays have complex flavors and should feature some oak, citrus, melon, and butter. Generally the flavors should be numerous and distinguishable from each other. Excellent Chardonnays are made in France, California and New Zealand. Some also come from South America.
Sauvignon Blanc wines have a higher acidity than Chardonnay. Some compare the tastes to green apples, pears or weed. They also have a slightly smoky flavor. They go very well with fish and poultry. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc is also a great accompaniment to a Caesar or Chef salad. The grapes for these Sauvingnon Blancs benefit from a cooler climate, which is readily provided in areas such as France’s Loire Valley, the Northern California coast and in South America, Australia and New Zealand.
Muscat wines tend to be sweeter, but can still make excellent white wines. The trick is to balance the sweetness with enough acidity and dryness so that the wine isn’t overpowering. Muscats have had a bad reputation for many years as the cheap wine of alcoholics. Today, however, complex moscatos are often served with dessert or as an after-dinner drink.
Rieslings are also among the sweetest and lightest whites. They go well with fish, poultry, pork and light cheeses. Like Muscats, Rieslings require that precarious balance between sour and sweet flavours. Some use Rieslings to make late-harvest wines, often called dessert wines. Late harvest Rieslings are particularly sweet because the grapes can develop a fungus called botrytis, often called “noble rot”.
Even gewurztraminers can be overly sweet. However, some vineyards, such as Navarro Vineyards in Philo, California, are famous for producing a perfect blend of acidity and sweetness. Navarro also produces a late harvest Gewurztraminer that is a must for lovers of dessert wines. These white wines have a distinctive aroma and flavour, easily distinguishable from other varieties.
Often, white wines are blended to make white table wine. Some blends can be excellent and cheap. Usually a wine labeled as varietal must contain a regulated percentage of the required grape. For example, a Chardonnay must have a certain amount of Chardonnay grapes. Blended wines can be excellent, bringing together the flavors of many of the different grapes that make white wines. You should also look for Italian wines such as Pinot Grigio, similar in flavor and aroma to Sauvignon Blancs.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
