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Differences between White Wines

Picking the perfect bottle to tantalize your taste buds on a summer’s eve can be tricky. If you haven’t already got a go-to grape or region, then deciding where to start can be baffling.

Should you reach for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio? And, furthermore, which country produces the best – and best-value – white wine? Should you choose an Italian, French or antipodean bottle?

Stick with finder and we’ll guide you through the essential flavors, most popular countries of origin, and the distinct characteristics offered by some of the US’s favorite white wines.

Chardonnay

Even if you don’t know the first thing about white wine, chances are you’ve heard of Chardonnay. It’s one of the most popular white wines in the UK. This wine originated in Burgundy, France, but is now created all over the world.

The first thing you’ll notice when you take that initial sip of Chardonnay is its complexity. One bottle can differ quite dramatically in flavor to the next. Chardonnay is an easy crowd-pleaser and is available either ‘oaked’ or ‘unoaked’, depending on your flavor preference.

Oaked Chardonnay varieties offer subtleties of vanilla, crème brûlée and even toast, while unoaked bottles are fruitier and generally medium-high in acidity, and will present a dash of zing that’s sure to excite your palate.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc offers a refreshing accompaniment to an array of dishes from Chinese sweet-and-sour to a roast chicken dinner. The major wine regions producing this white are scattered across South Africa, France, the USA, and Argentina.

Like Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc is available in oak-aged and unoaked variations and the effects are similar. Oak-aged bottles will offer essences of butterscotch, nutmeg, marzipan, and brioche, whereas unoaked varieties call on fruity fans of quince, pear, passion fruit, lime, and other equally tempting sweet, yet refreshing treats.

There are several acidities on the market ranging from medium-high to high.

Pinot Blanc

If you’re looking for a versatile wine, Pinot Blanc is a great option. The best grapes are thought to originate from Europe, specifically Alsace (northeastern France), the Alto Adige wine region of Italy, and in areas of both Germany and Austria.

Pinot Blanc is a grape that achieves a medium to full-bodied wine with a good level of acidity. Like Chenin Blanc and, of course, Chardonnay, it responds well to the process of oaking. Pinot Blanc can present different characters that include hints of apple and almond, and occasionally feature a smoky edge.

If you like a tartier finish to your pallet, this is one to try.

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio is growing rapidly in popularity throughout the US, and when you look at the profile of this white, it’s not hard to see why. This wine is light, easy to drink, simple and subtle in flavor, and yet utterly refreshing. If you’re shopping for a bottle, it’s recommended to look out for one that originated in Northern Italy.

The most common characteristics of Pinot Grigio are a light, crisp and dry finish. Pair the wine’s characteristics with complementing aromas of lemon, green apple, and essence of blossoms and you’ll be amazed by its tasty simplicity. Read more