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White Wine
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Vines of white grape varieties produce slightly green, or sometimes golden or pale pink grapes. These are not used for red wine, but produce a whole range of white wines.
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Chardonnay is known as the king of white wines. It is a very versatile grape that is grown in both warm and cool climates.
The flavors and aromas of Chardonnay are influenced by the climate it is grown in and how the wine is made. Chardonnay fruit flavors range from apple and lime in cooler climates to tropical fruits in warm climates.
When Chardonnay is fermented in oak barrels it has a richness that is characterized by honey and butter flavors. When it is fermented in stainless steel it often has more mineral flavors and is crisp and fresh on the palate.
Food Pairing: seafood is a favorite with Chardonnay; chicken, pork, shellfish, turkey, and brie and camembert cheese.
Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris is a popular white wine especially during warm weather months. The Pinot Gris grape produces different styles of wine depending on the region where it's grown and how it's made.
It is widely cultivated in Italy as Pinot Grigio which is light in color and body. Flavors associated with Pinot Grigio are lemons, oranges and melons.
In the Alsace region of France, in Oregon and in New Zealand Pinot Gris makes a rich wine with more acidity.
Food Pairing: Seafood and simple pasta and vegetable dishes; also roasted chicken.
In Italy, Pinot Grigio is a popular aperitif served with nuts, crostini, or light cheese courses.
Sauvignon Blanc has moved up in popularity ranking. In California, Sauvignon Blanc has become known and is labeled as Fumé Blanc.
In France, Sauvignon Blanc is the star of the Loire region. Loire Valley wines made from Sauvignon Blanc, such as Pouilly Fumé and Sancerre, are most often 100% Sauvignon Blanc, and usually made without the use of oak.
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Other popular growing regions are New Zealand and South Africa.
Some of the flavors in Sauvignon Blanc are apples, lemons, limes, grapefruit, melons, peaches, mangos, herbs, bell peppers, minerals, and grass.
Food pairing: with dry-style Sauvignon Blanc or Fumé Blanc are high acid cheeses such as feta and goat cheese; chicken, light or delicate types of fish.
Riesling grapes are considered one of the greatest white wine grapes in Europe. It can make dry, off dry, and sweet wines with tangy acidity and notes of mineral, floral and citrus with flavors of green apple, pear and lime making it crisp and refreshing. Rieslings are always unoaked allowing lots of pure fruit to shine through.
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Riesling is also grown in Washington State, Finger Lakes in New York, and in parts of Australia.
The strong acidity is balanced by the intense fruit flavors which allow Riesling to age well. Aged Riesling takes on honey flavors.
Food Pairing: ham, poultry, pork, Thai food, and popular take-out Chinese food.
Gewürztraminer is an aromatic variety of German origin, and is grown in the Alsace region of France as well as in some "new world" winemaking regions.
It is a medium to full-body wine, and has very distinct characteristics with a golden color from the tinted skin of the grapes making it slightly darker than that most other white wines.
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It is fruity and crisp with floral flavors of honeysuckle, peaches, apricots, grapefruit, gingerbread, vanilla, clove, nutmeg and allspice. And it has powerful aromas of litchi, rosewood, gingerbread and citrus zest.
It can range from dry to sweet. When left for late harvest, it is rich and complex, making an excellent dessert wine.
Food Pairing: Ham, pork, and also Asian dishes
Viognier has long been cultivated in the Northern Rhone region of France. It has increased in popularity since the 1980's. Though it is not easy to grow, and its yields are low, its exceptional aromas have won over many winemakers around the globe.
Viognier is characterized by its heady aromas of white flowers, and spice, and generous fruit flavors of melon, apricot, white peach and is low in acidity.
It is produced as both a single varietal and also as a blend with Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Food Pairing: shellfish and simple chicken dishes
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