People tend to ask the renowned question, ‘Red or white?’ White wine has been drunk for years and is widely enjoyed throughout the world. White wine is made using white grapes, and there are over 20 different types of white grapes that can be used. The existence of white grapes is a result of a genetic mutation of Vitis vinifera—a single grape varietal.
How Is White Wine Different From Red Wine?
The fermentation of white wines in wineries is a tedious process that entails the removal of seeds, stems, and skins. White wines differ in various ways from red wine, but there is a range of varietals that are included under the branch of white wine. White wine may be enjoyed and experienced in various settings, whether relaxing in the afternoon or after an intense day of work.
White wine is rich in acidity, has a great flowerlike scent to it, and has a fruity nature native to it. It’s evident that white wine is a delicacy, and its versatility stems from a rich history and unique fermentation process of its varietals, which refer to a wine or grape that belongs to a unique or specified grape variety. In this article are some white wine varietals that you may want consider trying or experiencing.
- Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio
Some grape varietals are grown from the same grape mutation. Pinot Gris and Grigio are an example of this. The only difference that lies between these two is in their name. The Italians call it Grigio, while the French had shortened it to be called Gris. This popular white wine varietal is grown extensively in various regions within Italy, some west coast regions of the United States, parts of France, and many other smaller areas around the world.
Pinot Grigio stems from Pinot Noir, which is one of the most popular red wine varietals. Although these two have some things in common, there’s a peculiar yet clear difference between them in that Pinot Grigio is a white wine varietal with a foggy-gray, purple color.
Pinot Grigio has a heavy texture and a velvety feel. This may be the perfect thing for taste buds that long for a heavy-bodied wine and are looking to drift away from fruity tastes. Although Pinot Grigio has ripples of fruit flavors, this aspect isn’t as prominent as in other white wine varietals.
- Riesling
Riesling is a well-known white wine varietal. It has German origins and can be referred to as the White Riesling or the Johannisberg Riesling Rhine. This is one of the most widespread varietals and is considered as one of the finest German varietals. It comes in various forms, ranging from sweet varieties to dry and crisp French or Washington varieties.
It has a large range of flavors, with toffee sweetness or steel dry notes. Rieslings are often grown and made to be relatively sweet and maintain a good steel acidity balance. They have a warm, fresh apple aroma and can be easily distinguished from other varietals. However, despite the distinguishable taste, this varietal may express itself differently based on its district or the winemaking process it undergoes.
Rieslings are best served when they’re cold, and their flavor runs deeper the older they get. This well-aging and low in alcohol white wine varietal may be something your taste buds have been waiting for.
- Chardonnay
This fancy-sounding white wine varietal is one of the finest and top white wine varietals known to man. There’s lots to know about Chardonnay and why it’s the world’s most popular white wine.
It dates back to the 1990s and has grown to become a favorite among a great number of white wine drinkers. This varietal has origins in Bourgogne, France, and has grown to cover over 16,000 hectares of the world’s vine areas.
Over the years, Chardonnay vines have spread out into countries such as Australia, South Africa, Argentina, the United States, Italy, and Moldavia. This varietal thrives in colder climates, and the United States has the largest amount Chardonnay vineyards, covering some over 44,000 hectares.
Chardonnay has a unique velvety taste compared to the widespread citrus-rich flavors. It’s fermented in new oak barrels, which allow for vanilla or coconut flavors. The fermentation of Chardonnay entails a process through which the grape’s natural acidity is softened into silkier, gentler notes. It has a warm, light, and creamy aftertaste, which is a result of the well-known malolactic method. If you’re a fan of rippled fruit flavors in your wine, topped with a coconut or vanilla-like finish, then you may want to consider the Chardonnay.
- Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer may be a tongue twister for some, but it could leave your taste buds with a warm, delicious twist. It has abundant flavors and is also a popular white wine varietal. It’s planted and grown on the West Coast of the United States, New York, and the Alsace region connecting France and Germany through the Rhine River. The widespread growth allows for a greater experience for human consumption and enjoyment.
Gewürztraminer is said to have a sweet, floral, and tangy taste; and this allows for a warm sweet taste, perfectly ideal for all taste buds. This varietal has a distinctive scent that draws people in, which confuses their senses. It includes aromas of allspice, peaches, rose bouquets, lychee, and many other flavors. The aromatic smell may allow one to think that this wine varietal has a sweeter and less acidic taste. However, it’s not as sweet as it smells, but it has a more refined taste.
- Moscato
If you have a sweet tooth, you may want to consider trying out Moscato. Some white wine drinkers do, and they’re not really drawn to more fruity, aromatic flavors within other white wine varietals.
Moscato grapes are very old and genetically unmodified, and in terms of growth, they have been grown for more than 3,000 years. In France, it;s referred to as Muscat in order to isolate the silky sweet wines that come from the grapes of the Muscat. However, within Italy and many other parts of the world, it’s referred to as Moscato.
Moscato is grown best in warm climates, and this is why the Mediterranean and other parts of Australia are usually considered in terms of growing these grapes. Moscato has ripples of orange blossoms and white cherries, which leaves a sweet taste with minimal acidity. If you’re looking for something that’s usually sweet or fruity and has a unique musky aroma, then you may want to consider trying out the Moscato.
Try Something New
Exploring all the white wine varietals is a journey in itself, and with this miniature guide, you may have an idea where to start. It’s important that you discover which varietal is suited to your taste buds and make the best wine choices as you navigate the world of wine. The far-reaching influence of white wine is alive and breathing, and its varietals are waiting for you.
