Even if you wander through the wine shop with an open mind, it’s all too easy to walk out toting a bottle (or three) of your go-to white… again.
Sure, you like the idea of trying something new, but the sea of unfamiliar labels and grape names (Gewürz-a-what?) is intimidating when you don’t know what to look for. Especially with white wine, the risk of choosing something too sweet/dry/oaky/fruity for your taste is high.
Arming yourself with a little knowledge goes a long way! If you want to branch out from your “I’ll have the house white” comfort zone but aren’t sure where to start, here’s your basic guide to white wine — a roundup of both widely enjoyed and lesser-known varietals, the four major categories they fall into, and what foods to pair them with.
Sometimes you’re not in the mood for a BIG wine but still want to feel a little weight on your palate. These whites really show up and have the oomph to stand up to rich, flavorful dishes like lobster with butter sauce, risotto, hard cheeses, and chicken divan.
It’s the world’s most popular white wine as well as one of the most varying, with taste profiles that run the gamut depending on the growing regions and aging process.
French chardonnay tends to feature citrus and flinty flavors, and California chardonnay is often aged in oak barrels (aka malolactic fermentation), which creates a buttery flavor and creamy texture.
A southern France original, this full-bodied white is perfect for those who like chardonnay but want to try something a bit less acidic. Viognier boasts very fragrant floral notes, so it’s simultaneously full-bodied and creamy.
Trebbiano Toscano is a grape variety planted all over Italy and France (where it’s called ungi blanc).
Its high acidity (that puckery sensation) makes it especially food-friendly, since that tang balances out the fat and salty flavors in many cuisines. It’s also used as a base in brandy and balsamic vinegar production.
It’s light-bodied, with notes of lemon, lime, and occasionally some stone fruits (i.e. apricots, peaches, etc.) Pinot Grigio is a great starter wine because it’s often pretty simple, with fruity notes and not a whole lot else going on.
WTH is a “wine profile”?
Simply put, when you’re enjoying a wine — tasting it, smelling it, swirling it around in your mouth — its profile is how you put this experience into words.
What flavors does the wine have? What are the aromas? How heavy or light does it feel in your mouth? Articulating these notes is especially helpful when deciding on food pairings.
So fresh and so clean. With little residual sugar, these light-bodied and dry whites are refreshing and gluggable. Foodwise, they play really nicely with lighter dishes like grilled salmon, oysters, light pasta sauces, lemon basil chicken, and other white meats.
The Best White Wines For Beginners (Series): #2 Pinot Grigio
FAQ
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