White Wine

What is White Wine?

Most white wine is produced from white grapes. I say most, because there are a few exceptions. Wine gets its color from letting the skins soak in the juice.

Since this is the case, it is possible to make white wine out of black grapes by carefully extracting the juice and keeping the skins separated. Champagne is the most famous example. It is made from a blend of grapes which include Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (black grapes).

Besides color, not allowing the skins and stems to soak in the juice also reduces the amount of tannin in the wine. Tannin has a mouth drying quality that causes the wine to feel firm in your mouth. Sometimes though, a white wine will be allowed to ferment or age in oak barrels. The oak barrels will impart some tannin to the wine, but not as much as in a typical red wine.

Rosés (Blush) are White?

Believe it or not, a blush, which is just another term for rosé, is considered a white wine. They are made by allowing the skins to soak for only a short period of time before extracting. A good rosé should be delicate and refreshing, not cloyingly sweet.

The best rosés are made from the Grenache grape. Rosés have been given a bad reputation from some of the extremely sweet and cheap varieties on the market. Don't let that stop you from finding some that are truely delicious and worth savoring.

Major White Wine (Grape) Varieties

Chardonnay - The world's most popular white variety. It is usually oak aged and has a buttery flavor.

Chenin Blanc - Common in the Loire Valley of France. It is a highly acidic wine that can range from very dry to very sweet.

Gewürztraminer - The most intensely aromatic of all wines. The aromas are of florals and spice.

Muscat - Produces the only wine to actually smell like grapes. Can have a variety of styles and popluar in sparkling wines.

Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio - A very wide variety of styles from dry to sweet to spicy. Often they will have a hint of honey.

Reisling - A low alcholic wine with striking acidity. Many are very sweet but they can also be dry.

Sauvignon Blanc - Meant to drink young, these are the most tangy and pungent of the wine varieties.