Beginner’s Guide to Searching for Your Favourite White Wine

Are you considering getting into collecting wine but don’t know where to start? Shopping for wine does not need to be complicated. A little knowledge goes a long way when searching for your new favourite wine.

White wines are versatile. They are ideal for pairing with various dishes or drinking as you chat with friends. They’re an ideal go-to when starting out your wine collection.

In this article, we will run you through the different kinds of white wine so you can get yourself acquainted with the unfamiliar labels and grape names which may seem intimidating initially. Soon enough, you’ll be sipping the best Chablis, Moscato, Chardonnay, or whatever it is you fancy.

White Wines Ideal for Flavourful Dishes

It is a common misconception that white wines are best paired with light flavours. There are rich white wines that can stand up to flavourful dishes such as hard cheeses, lobster with butter sauce, and savoury chicken meals.

• Chardonnay: This is the most popular white wine with the most varying flavor profile. Depending on where your chardonnay comes from it can be citrusy and flinty like French Chardonnay or oaky, buttery, and creamy like California Chardonnay.
• Viognier: This is a full-bodied white wine originating from southern France. It is similar to Chardonnay but less acidic and has more of a floral fragrance.
• Trebbiano: This wine comes from the Toscano grapes of Italy and France. It has high acidity, which is ideal to balance out fat and salty flavours in rich dishes.

White Wines Ideal for Pairing with Light Flavours

There are fresh and clean white wines ideal to pair with lighter dishes such as grilled salmon, oysters, lemon chicken, and other white meats.

• Pinot Grigio: This wine is known for its zesty acidity and fruity flavours with hints of lemons, limes, and apples.
• Chablis: This wine is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes without the typical heavy oaky, buttery taste. This has a citrusy, mineral-like, and almost salty flavour.
• Chenin Blanc: This wine makes an ideal pairing with your sweet and sour takeout chicken as it has a drier and tart flavour. The taste may remind you of pear, yellow apple, or ginger.
• Herbaceous: These wines have a light-bodied and “green” flavour. Its aroma ranges from bell pepper, jalapeño, gooseberry, and grass. These are ideal pairings for sauces rich in herbs, green veggies, salads, and sushi.
• Sauvignon Blanc: These wines are known for being crisp, dry, and fruity. It has green-and-grassy notes with biting acidity.
• Gruner Veltliner: These wines are like the sauvignon blanc with flavours of herbs, spices, white pepper, and nuts. It still has a tingly acidity which makes for an interesting kick.

White Wines for Spicier Dishes

Are you into sweeter wines? These white wines may be ideal for you! They also pair well with spicier Chinese, Indian, and Cajun dishes.

• Moscato: This is the best drink of choice for people with a sweet tooth. It has sweet orange flavours and succulent aromas.
• Gewürztraminer: This is one underrated and undervalued aromatic white wine.
• Riesling: Riesling grapes are traditionally used to make sweet wines, but dry versions are increasingly common. Most are very fresh and aromatic with lime, peach, pear or apricot notes, as well as blossom.

Purchasing wine to pair with your favourite dishes does not have to be complicated. With a bit of knowledge, you can figure out which white wines are bound to be your next favourite.

Are you looking to buy wine online in the UK? We at Cru Wine offer a modern approach to buying wine. Check out our collection today!