PUBLISHED December 20th, 2023 06:00 am | UPDATED December 22nd, 2023 04:20 am
We’ve delved into red wines and explored the realm of natural wines; now it’s time to turn our attention to whites in your guide to white wines. Whether you consider yourself a seasoned connoisseur or a complete newbie in the world of wines, join us as we navigate through the expansive world of white wines. From zesty to sublime flavours, indulge your tastebuds in diverse flavours with your ultimate guide to white wines and how to find the best pick for you.
White Wine 101
The main distinction between white and red wines hinges on the delicate choreography of skin contact. White wine, celebrated for its crystal-clear hue, undergoes a meticulous process—pressing and separating the juice from the skins before fermentation unfolds. When yeast hooks up with the crushed grapes, it converts sugar to alcohol, while consuming oxygen and producing carbon dioxide and heat. The winemaker guides the process by heating, cooling, stirring, aerating, and sometimes feeding the yeast until most or all of the sugar has converted to alcohol. However, it’s not always necessary to add yeast as, more often than not, yeast is already present in microscopic form in virtually every vineyard and winery, waking up when exposed to the juice, beginning to feed on the sugar, and multiplying.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. The grape varietal and the chosen maturation method, be it in oak, steel, or amphora, wield considerable influence, shaping the wine’s final character. The result? An aromatic palette that extends from delicate floral nuances and earthy mineral undertones to unexpected vegetal aromas like the snap of cut grass or the zing of bell pepper.
As if that weren’t enough, the art of barrel aging introduces distinctive notes of wood and vanilla, elevating the overall tasting experience. The choice of new barrels adds rich flavour and texture, while the use of used or neutral barrels contributes primarily to a smooth and velvety texture. As your ultimate guide to white wines, we’ll delve into a selection of the most popular varietals.
Chardonnay
Bellvale ‘Athena’s Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2017
Chardonnay stands as the preeminent and widely embraced white wine variety across diverse regions, renowned for its exceptional versatility. The grape’s adaptability allows for diverse flavours, influenced by the climate of its growth and various production methods. Chardonnay grapes can embody an extensive flavour spectrum, ranging from the crisp notes of apple and tropical pineapple to the luxurious hints of vanilla, butter, and even crème brûlée. Common pairings include chicken, pork, seafood dishes, and brie and camembert. Sip your Chardonnay with creamy pasta dishes and enjoy the delightful interplay of flavours.
Try: Bellvale ‘Athena’s Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2017 from Benchmark Wines
Riesling
Seckinger Ruppeertsberg Riesling
Originating from the Rhine region of Germany, Riesling wine grapes are renowned for their distinctive flowery aromas and a pronounced acidic taste. Winemakers intentionally refrain from oak aging it, allowing the fruity and citrusy nuances of the grapes to shine through. While Riesling is cultivated on a global scale, it holds a particular significance as the most common wine grape in Germany and Alsace, France. When it comes to culinary pairings, Riesling’s inherent richness and sweetness position it as an ideal companion for an array of desserts such as cherry pie, apple strudel, and cheesecake. Besides enhancing the flavours of crustaceans, its versatility lends itself to being served as an apéritif before meals, in keeping with the tradition of many white wines.
Try: Seckinger Ruppeertsberg Riesling from The Straits Wine Company.
Moscato
La Spinetta Moscato d’Asti Biancospino 2022
Moscato is crafted from the Muscat family of grapes, boasting over 200 varieties. Celebrated for its distinctive sweet and citrusy profile, this varietal is infused with enchanting notes of orange, pear, lemon, and more, offering a delightful sensory experience. Notably, the grapes can also be employed in crafting dessert wines renowned for their luscious caramel richness, establishing Moscato as one of the oldest wine grape varieties globally. Served best when chilled, Moscato finds its perfect companionship in a variety of culinary delights, including flank steak for meats, crab and fish for seafood, and goat cheese or brie for a cheese platter. As for desserts, Moscato’s sweet palate enhances classics like peach cobbler, apple pie, key lime pie, and even sorbet. Moscato’s timeless appeal lies in its remarkable ability to enhance a variety of culinary experiences.
Try: La Spinetta Moscato d’Asti Biancospino 2022 from Wines Wholesale.
Pinot Grigio
Preece King Valley Pinot Grigio 2022
Following closely on the heels of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio emerges as a prominent contender on any white wine aficionado’s list. The grape’s origins can be traced back to being considered mutant clones of the red wine grapes used in crafting Pinot Noir, thus influencing its nomenclature. Globally, Pinot Grigio is recognized as a predominantly full-bodied, dry wine, with Italian varieties gaining acclaim for their seemingly lighter-bodied and acidic profiles. In terms of culinary pairings, Pinot Grigio proves its versatility, harmonising seamlessly with salads, seafood, and dishes boasting neutral, milder flavours. Its compatibility extends to roasted chicken, halibut, trout, and scallops. Cheeses like mozzarella and goat cheese, as well as less-sweet desserts such as crème brûlée, also make beautiful pairings with this varietal.
Try: Preece King Valley Pinot Grigio 2022 from The Providore.
Sauvignon Blanc
Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc (Organic) 2022
Originating from the renowned French wine region of Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc has evolved into a global sensation, producing a crisp, dry white wine highly regarded for its distinctive character. The flavour profile of Sauvignon Blanc is notably influenced by the climate of its cultivation, resulting in subtle variations that render each region’s offering unique. Beyond its versatility in meat and seafood pairings, Sauvignon Blanc harmonises exquisitely with the distinct flavours of vegetables such as asparagus, artichokes, brussels sprouts, and zucchini.
Try: Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc (Organic) 2022 from Pop Up Wine.
Chablis
Domaine Billaud-Simon Chablis 2016
Chablis, similarly to Chardonnay is produced in Burgundy, France, but distinguishes itself by rarely employing oak-aging, resulting in a unique flavor profile. Described as having citrus and white flower aromas, Chablis wines exhibit dry, lean, and light-bodied characteristics with flavors of citrus, pear, minerality, and salinity, devoid of the buttery notes associated with oak. Quality Chablis is marked by high acidity, flint-like minerality, and a prolonged finish. This distinct taste is attributed to the region’s soil, climate, and traditions. In terms of food pairings, Chablis pairs well with lighter meats and fishes, acting as a palate cleanser for delicately creamy sauces, and excels alongside raw fish and sushi, making it a standout choice for those seeking a refined and elegant Chardonnay.
Try: Domaine Billaud-Simon Chablis 2016 from Ewineasia.
Sémillon
De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Sémillon 2018
Primarily crafted in France and Australia, Sémillon stands as another noteworthy white wine varietal in your guide to white wine. Originating from Bordeaux, France, Sémillon was once a globally predominant grape variety, leaving its mark not only in its home regions but also in places like South Africa. On the nose, Sémillon entices with a delightful interplay of fragrant citrus fruits, hints of dried grass, and subtle minerality, with flavours evolving from crisp apple and citrus to richer notes of honey, figs, and toasted nuts as it ages – reminiscent of Chardonnay. Sémillon’s versatility shines through in food pairings, complementing a variety of dishes, especially those with a spicy kick, where its mild sweetness provides a perfect offset. Whether enjoyed with blue cheese or paired with veal, Sémillon promises a sensory journey that elevates your white wine experience.
Try: De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Sémillon 2018 from Wines Online.
Top Image: Unsplashed