woman enjoying a glass of white wine

Wine pairings

how i learned to love white wine (and you can too!)

By Amelia Hernandez

Published: 06 Dec 2024

My White Wine Epiphany

For years, I was a red wine person. The bold flavors, the rich tannins – it felt sophisticated, adult. White wine? That was for…well, I wasn't entirely sure who. It seemed…light. Insignificant, even. A little like drinking diluted grape juice, if I'm honest. I mean, I always ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio by default when I couldn't decide, but it just never felt like my thing. Then, last summer, on a trip to the Loire Valley in France, everything changed. It was the most unexpected thing. I sat in that little, vine-wrapped-in bistro trying to be hoity-toity sipping on a bold red when the waiter brought me that little glass of Sauvignon Blanc. It was then that it hit me. It was different, fresher, cleaner compared to anything I had ever tasted, and my whole view toward white wine changed right at that moment.

Loire Valley vineyard

Loire Valley vineyard | Image: Supplied

Beyond the Usual Suspects: Exploring White Wine Diversity

Let's face it: white wine is vast and far bigger than my little palate was initially taking in. It's not just Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay, though those are both great in their own rights! There's a whole world of fantastic whites out there, each with their unique personality. You've just got to find the ones that sing to your soul.

  • Crisp and Zesty: Think of Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand-it's like liquid sunshine in the glass-or a dry German Riesling with thoughts of zesty citrus and whispers of petrol, yes, really!.
  • Rich and Creamy: Of course, Chardonnay is center stage. An oaked Chardonnay from California can be so over-the-top decadent, but the contrast with unoaked Chardonnay from Burgundy-pure fruitiness-is stunning. Both amazing, yet so different!
  • Aromatic and Floral: Gewürztraminer from Alsace can be ridiculously aromatic - think lychees, roses, and a hint of spice. Something quite different from any other wine. Pinot Gris, cousin of Pinot Grigio, is exquisitely understated with hints of pear and honeysuckle.

This is just the tip of the iceberg! Be unafraid to experiment; that's half the fun!

various types of white wine

various types of white wine | Image: Supplied

Wine Label Decoder: What to Look For

Wine labels can be confusing, but they are filled with a wealth of information. Here are a few things to look for in the label when selecting a white wine.

  • Grape Variety: The first key thing is, in fact, the grape-the most critical determinant. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, etc., provides some sort of idea of how it tastes.
  • Region: Some regions are famous for particular grapes and styles. A Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc, for example will be different from a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (even though it is made from the same grape).
  • Vintage: The year of the grape harvest. It may affect the quality and characteristics of the wine, but it is not always a sign of excellence. Some years produce better grapes than others, and sometimes the quality can depend on weather or specific practices.
  • Producer: Some wineries have a reputation for producing consistent quality. This can be a great way to explore new varieties as you will know the production quality will be good and you will have something to base comparisons on.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations!! Sometimes, wine shops or restaurants are a great source of advice. Let them know what styles you've enjoyed or disliked in the past, so they can make informed suggestions that are well aligned with your current palate and taste preferences. I recently had a Spanish Albariño recommended from my local wine shop and was just blown away! It changed all of my expectations regarding what a great white wine could be.
wine label details

wine label details | Image: Supplied

White Wine and Food Pairing: A Match Made in Heaven

White wine is just so versatile. It's not just an aperitif; it goes very well with many dishes. For instance:

  • Light, crisp whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio): Go well with salads, seafood, and lighter poultry dishes. Think fresh and simple flavors.
  • Rich, buttery whites (Chardonnay): These stand up to richer foods like creamy pasta dishes, shellfish, and roast chicken or pork. Aromatic whites: These include Gewürztraminer, Riesling. Pairs well with spicy Asian cuisine, fruit tarts, and pungent cheeses.

Now, do experiment! For the best pairing is yours to discover. I once had-and still do-love Sauvignon Blanc with sushi-which I would not have ever tried in the past!

food and wine pairing

food and wine pairing | Image: Supplied

Chilling Out: The Importance of Temperature

Serving temperature makes a world of difference. Most white wines are best served chilled, but not ice-cold. You want to aim for a temperature that allows you to appreciate the wine's aromas and flavors without being muted. Too cold, and you lose the nuances; too warm, and it can taste flat. A good rule of thumb is to chill white wines about 30-60 minutes before serving. I usually chill mine in the refrigerator for about an hour, then take them out a little bit before serving.

chilled white wine glass

chilled white wine glass | Image: Supplied

My Final Thoughts and a Toast to New Discoveries!

The journey from a red wine lover to a white wine enthusiast has been quite delightful. I hope this has inspired you to explore the wonderful world of white wines a little more openly and adventurously. There's a whole universe of amazing flavors waiting to be discovered. So go forth, my friend, and raise a glass-a chilled one, of course-to new adventures in the world of wine tasting. Cheers!

“The best things in life are unexpected.” – Unknown

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