Our white bestsellers
Aphros Orange
Vinho verde
, Portugal
Ardora Maris Albariño
Rías baixas
, Spain
Beaugaran Picpoul Sauvignon
Languedoc
, France
Bellevue Touraine Sauvignon Blanc
Loire
, France
Belsasso Pinot Grigio
Abruzzen
, Italy
How do you choose the best white wine?
White wine is a beverage made from fermented grape juice. Many people think that white wine can only be made from white grapes, but this isn't the case. White wine can also be made from blue (or red) grapes. This is because the grapes are pressed immediately, and the juice is separated from the skins and seeds, preventing color compounds from entering the juice and keeping the wine its 'white' color. However, most white wines are made from white grapes because these grapes are better suited to the flavors that winemakers want to achieve in their wine.
The process of making white wine is generally the same. After the grapes are harvested, they are pressed. The skins and seeds are immediately removed from the juice, preventing color compounds and tannins from affecting the wine. The must (the juice without skins and seeds) may then be adjusted by adding or removing sugar or acidity as needed. After this, alcoholic fermentation begins. If all the sugars are fermented into alcohol, the result is a dry white wine, but fermentation can be stopped earlier (e.g., by cooling the tank) to produce a sweet white wine. Generally, after fermentation, you have white wine, but you may choose to age it in stainless steel tanks or wooden barrels, blend it with other wines, and/or clarify and filter it before bottling. Once bottled, the wine is ready for transport to stores!
The taste of white wine can vary widely. Is it a sweet or dry white wine? Which grape is used? Are wooden barrels or stainless steel tanks used for aging? These factors all influence the final flavor profile. We've categorized white wine flavors into groups. Easy: Crisp white, with notes of citrus, white flowers, mineral or saline. Examples include Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Blanc. Mellow: Fruity, softer acidity, often with hints of peach or pear. Think of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay without oak. Rich: Full-bodied white wines, often with some oak aging or pronounced flavors like lychee, flowers (perfume).
White wine comes in many styles and flavors, ranging from dry to sweet, and from France to Australia, Grüner Veltliner to Chardonnay. The grape variety and its origin both impact the final white wine. For example, a Chardonnay from Burgundy can taste very different from a Chardonnay from California. Even within Burgundy, there are many different flavors and styles. It is also possible to make white wine from red grape varieties. To make it easier, we’ve categorized the wines by flavor profiles to help find the right wine for everyone.
The most popular white grape is Chardonnay. This grape grows well in various climates and has found a place around the world. Its versatility allows for a wide range of white wine styles. Besides Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are also popular for making white wine. Wines made from these grapes are generally fresher and fruitier, making them great choices for outdoor drinking.
Most white wines are made to be consumed within a year. They are at their best during this time, but there are exceptions, and it depends on the wine. Some Rieslings and Chardonnays can age for up to 20 years. One of the key factors in aging white wine is having sufficient acidity. As white wine ages, its acidity and fruit flavors diminish, giving way to more tertiary notes such as nuts, dried fruit, and spices like nutmeg. This makes Riesling, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay particularly suitable for aging.
