White Wine

White wine is typically made from white grapes, harvested early to maintain optimum acidity. The grapes are then crushed and fermented without their skins—the skins contain the pigment that color a wine—which is why white wine is lighter in color, as skins can alter the color of the grape juice. Once the fermentation process is complete, white wines can be matured anywhere between a few months to a few years.

Depending on the style of white wine, the maturation happens in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels.

White wine comes in various styles with various appearances, ranging from tones of pale straw to rich golden hues, with the winemaking method determining the wine’s flavors, aromas, character and body.

There are several well-known white wine grape varieties, each with signature characteristics that yield unique flavors and aromas. Some of the best white grape varieties known for producing world-class wines are:

• Chardonnay is a dry, medium- to full-bodied wine with flavors ranging from lemon zest and chalky minerality to baked apples and tropical fruit. Chardonnay typically has aromas of vanilla with tropical and citrus fruit.
• Pinot Grigio is a dry, light- to medium-bodied wine with pear and citrus fruit flavors. Pinot Grigio offers delightful aromas, such as honeysuckle and jasmine.
• Sauvignon Blanc is usually a dry, light- to medium-bodied wine with tropical fruit flavors, such as grapefruit, lime and passionfruit. Sauvignon Blanc typically has herbal aromas of mint and elderflower.
• Chenin Blanc is often a dry, medium- to full-bodied wine with rich flavors of honey and apricot. Chenin Blanc is known for its chalky mineral aromas.
• Riesling is usually a sweet, light- to medium-bodied wine with peach and green apple notes. Riesling has aromas of fruit and honey. Though, delicious dry styles are also made.
• Viognier is a medium- to full-bodied wine with mouthwatering notes of peach, apricot and vanilla with floral aromas.
• White wine blends range in sweetness and can be anywhere from light- to full-bodied. They usually have a complex array of flavors, from tropical fruit to herbal notes. White wine blends typically have a variety of aromas, encompassing everything from floral notes to citrus fruit.

Dry white wines are white wines that aren’t sweet. They have a distinctly crisp and refreshing character. Most dry white wines have citrus fruit notes with aromas of herbs, minerals, florals and fruit.

Well-known white grape varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are all classic examples of dry white wines.

White wine blends combine two or more grape varieties, offering a more complex range of flavors and aromas. Some of the most well-known white wine blends are Bordeaux Blanc, from the Bordeaux region of France, which comprises Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle. Champagne is a sparkling wine made from a blend of different grape varieties, primarily white Chardonnay with red-skinned Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Sweet white wine contains more residual sugar than other white wines, as the grapes used often have naturally high sugar levels and winemakers stop fermentation early to maintain a high sugar level in the wine. Sweet whites often have less acidity than dry whites and burst with many luscious flavors, ranging from honeysuckle to tropical fruit.

Some examples of sweet white wines are Riesling and Sauternes.

White wine should be served chilled but not too cold. Each white wine will have its specific recommended temperature, but as a general guide, it’s best to serve white wine at temperatures between 45-55°F.

The best way to serve white wine is to pour it into a traditional glass with a narrow bowl and a tapered top to enhance the wine’s aromas. Hold the glass at the stem to avoid warming the wine with your hands.

White wine should typically be stored in a wine fridge or refrigerator after you open it. Providing the wine has been appropriately re-sealed, it should last a few days:

• Light-bodied wines, such as Pinot Grigio, can last up to 3 days.
• Medium- to full-bodied white wines, such as Chardonnay, can last 3-5 days.
• Sweet wines, such as Riesling, can last anywhere between 7-10 days.

To store white wine correctly, consider the following factors:

Humidity: Aim for a humidity between 60-70% to avoid spoiling the wine.

Temperature: Ensure you store your white wines in a cool place without extreme variations in temperature.

Light: Sunlight and artificial light can ruin the character of the wine, so store your bottles in a dark place.

Vibration: Store white wines away from vibration sources, such as kitchen refrigerators as this can tamper with sediments and cause the wine to mature prematurely.

It’s best to store your white wines in a wine fridge, pantry or in the basement.