White Wine

White Wine: A Guide to the Best Varieties, Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

White wine is a versatile and refreshing beverage enjoyed worldwide, made from green or yellowish grapes. Whether you're a casual drinker or a connoisseur, there’s a white wine variety to suit every palate.

Types of White Wine

Chardonnay – A full-bodied, oak-aged or unoaked white wine with flavours ranging from buttery vanilla to crisp green apple.
Sauvignon Blanc – A dry, citrusy, and herbaceous white wine known for its bright acidity and refreshing taste.
Riesling – Available in dry, off-dry, and sweet styles, this aromatic white wine is famous for its floral and fruity notes.
Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris) – A light-bodied, zesty white wine with flavours of lemon, pear, and mineral notes.
Moscato – A sweet, slightly effervescent white wine with aromas of orange blossom, peach, and honeysuckle.

White Wine Taste & Aromas

White wines can be dry, semi-sweet, or sweet, offering flavours from crisp citrus and stone fruit to rich vanilla and honey. The aromatic profile includes floral, tropical, and mineral notes influenced by grape variety and region.

Best White Wines for Food Pairing

Seafood and shellfish pair wonderfully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc.
Creamy pasta and chicken dishes complement the buttery texture of Chardonnay.
Spicy Asian cuisine balances well with the sweetness of Riesling or Moscato.
Light salads and vegetarian dishes shine with Pinot Grigio or Albariño.

Top White Wine Regions & Best Brands

The best white wines hail from regions like France (Burgundy, Loire Valley), Italy (Veneto, Alto Adige), USA (Napa Valley, Oregon), New Zealand (Marlborough), and Germany (Mosel, Rheingau). Popular brands include Chimney Rock, Yering Station, Michele Chiarlo, Domaine Jean Goulley, and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

Choosing the Best White Wine for You

Whether you prefer a dry white wine for a crisp finish or a sweet white wine for a smooth, dessert-like experience, there’s a perfect bottle for every occasion. Look for award-winning white wines or explore affordable white wine brands that offer great taste without breaking the bank.

Quick Q&A

What are the most popular types of white wine?

White wine comes in various styles, each offering unique flavours and characteristics. Some of the most popular types include:

Chardonnay: Known for its versatility, Chardonnay can be oaked or unoaked, resulting in a range of flavours from crisp and citrusy to rich and buttery.
Sauvignon Blanc: Renowned for its lively acidity and vibrant citrus and green fruit flavours, Sauvignon Blanc is a favourite among white wine enthusiasts.
Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris: These wines are celebrated for their light, crisp profiles with notes of pear and apple, making them easy to drink and popular at gatherings.
Riesling: Offering aromatic complexity and a balance of sweetness and acidity, Riesling is appreciated for its floral notes and flavours ranging from peach to citrus.
Chenin Blanc: Known for its versatility, Chenin Blanc can produce wines from dry to sweet, often exhibiting flavours of apple, pear, and honey.

How should I serve and store white wine?

Serving White Wine:

Temperature: Serve white wines chilled, typically between 7-13°C. Lighter whites like Pinot Grigio are best at 7-10°C, while fuller-bodied whites like Chardonnay benefit from being served at 10-13°C.

Glassware: Use glasses with long, slender stems to minimize heat transfer from your hand. Montrachet glasses with larger bowls are ideal for oaked whites like Chardonnay, allowing aromas to fully develop. Riesling glasses with smaller bowls are suitable for lighter whites, highlighting their delicate bouquets.
Storing White Wine:

Environment: Store unopened white wine in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature, ideally between 10-13°C. Avoid areas with direct sunlight, temperature fluctuations, or vibrations.

Humidity: Maintain a humidity level of 60-70% to prevent corks from drying out, which can lead to oxidation.
What is the difference between oaked and unoaked Chardonnay?

The primary difference lies in the winemaking process:

Oaked Chardonnay: Aged in oak barrels, these wines often exhibit flavours of vanilla, butter, and toasted nuts, with a fuller body and creamier texture.
Unoaked Chardonnay: Fermented and aged in stainless steel or other non-oak vessels, resulting in a lighter, crisper profile with higher acidity and flavours reminiscent of green apple and citrus.

Shop White Wine Online with Corking Wines!

Looking to buy white wine online? Explore a curated selection of top-rated white wines, from budget-friendly picks to luxury white wines delivered straight to your door.