A Quick Guide to White Wine

There are 9 white wines that are considered to be all time favourites amongst many White Wine drinkers, although there are many other wonderful white wines on the market.

I have listed below the 9 white wines that are most popular from my recent research; however please feel free to list any white wines that you prefer in the comments box below.

1. Chardonnay - A dry white wine that is very popular worldwide. The Chardonnay grape is pretty low maintenance and can be grown in most climates. Because of this it is widely grown throughout the world and is generally great value for money. It comes in a variety of flavours such as buttery, apple, pear, melon, oak, and even citrus. It accompanies many food types but it probably goes best with seafood, creamy dishes, pork and poultry.
2. Chenin Blanc - The Chenin Blanc grape is originally from the Loire valley of France. It is very acidity meaning it can be used to make everything from sparkling wine to well-balanced dessert wines.
3. Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris - An all time favourite in Italy and also very popular in the UK. The Pinot Gris or Pinot Gris is carefully crafted from these grapes. A very light flavoured crisp wine. It has a very smooth overtone and comes in different flavours including melon, pear and tropical fruits. This wine goes well with light flavoured pastas, seafood or cheese and crackers.
4. Sauvignon Blanc - Another dry white wine grown mainly in France and New Zealand. The French variety has grand herbal tones whilst the New Zealand variety has tropical fruits and gooseberry flavours. This wine is refreshing, crisp and goes extremely well with many kinds of foods including vegetable dishes, Thai food, Greek, Caesar salads and sushi.
5. Riesling - A very popular white wine and one favoured by many connoisseurs. Riesling comes dry or sweet. The dry variety is labelled “tocken” and the sweet variety is labelled “ausless”. This wine is available in many flavours including pear, peach, and apple. Riesling goes well with Spicy Asian food, pork, fish, appetizers and desserts.
6. Pinot Blanc - A medium to dry wine available in various tones. Pinto Blanc is native to Alsace in France but also grown in Italy, Hungary and Germany. A light wine with flavours of citrus, melon, pear and apricot. Goes well with flavoured meats, lightly flavoured cheeses, seafood and delicate flavours.
7. Gewurztraminer - A very fruity wine originally from Germany, with strapping aromas and flowery bouquet, tends to leave a sweet aftertaste. Goes well with BBQ’s, Curry seasoned dishes, Chinese and Mexican cooking and other spiced foods.
8. Semillon - A classic full bodied dry French wine with distinctly fruity flavours. It is often blended with a Sauvignon Blanc to create a wonderful light drinking wine.
9. Viognier - An extremely difficult white wine grape to grow because it mildews easily. It grows well in warmer climates. A sweet wine with very strong flavours. And for this reason it pairs well with very spicy food, such as Thai. It also goes well with fish dishes.