Common White Wine Styles from WineGiftShop.com!
Chardonnay – Probably the most popular grape in the world, this variety produces many great young wines and many of these wines age well when stored in oak barrels. Its popularity comes from silky rich flavor which many people characterize as a buttery flavor. With only a few exceptions, Chardonnay wines are best when younger. In the lighter wines, you’ll notice some fruity accents such as green apple that complement well with seafood pasta, light soups, chicken and fish. The more complex and oak laden wines can be enjoyed with salmon, veal, creamier past dishes and roasted chicken.
Sauvignon Blanc – This varietal wine is often characterized by citrus fruity flavors and is generally best when young. Commonly produced in France, New Zealand, Italy, Australia, South Africa and the United States, this wine is best when produced in cool climates. The low acidity of this wine makes it very versatile for food matching. Try the more spicy versions with spicier Asian or Mexican foods. The fruitier versions work well with grilled or roasted meats.
Semillon – This sweet grape tends to produce some great dry white wines although there are many fine sweet wines produced from this grape as well. The complex flavors of this wine make it a better compliment to creamy pasta dishes than the Sauvignon Blanc style.
Gerwurztraminer – We feel compelled to include this wine style because it is one of our favorite white wine styles and because it is so much fun to hear the different pronunciations from our friends. The best of the best in this wine grouping come from the Alsace region of France. Gerwurztraminer wines do not age well when their acidity level is low. If you like spicy food, this is the white wine to use as a complement. The spicy and floral flavors of the higher acidity versions of Gerwurztraminer are wonderful with spicier food such as curry laden Indian dishes or spicy Asian foods.
Chenin Blanc – Most commonly produced in France and the United States, the Chenin Blanc wines produced outside of France should generally be drank at a fairly young age. Some of the sweeter wines produced in France are aged successfully for decades. These sweeter version pair well with fresh fruits and cheese. The dryer versions can complement grilled fish or deep fried shellfish.