White wine is a type of wine made by fermenting white grapes without their skins for the most part. Can range from sweet and light to dry and full-bodied, but the main thing that defines white wines is their lack of colour. While white wines often stand alone as excellent refreshments on hot days, they are also great accompaniments to seafood dishes, which is why buying white wine is an excellent choice in summer. Read on to find out more about fermented white grapes juice, from its taste profiles and benefits to best-serving practices.

What Is White Wine?

White wine is any wine made with white or mostly white grape varieties, such as Chardonnay. It can be either sparkling or still (non-sparkling) and ranges in sweetness from bone dry to sweet, depending on the grapes used and the winemaking process.

Types of White Wine

It is divided into two main categories: dry white wines, which contain very little residual sugar and are the most common white wines, and sweet white wines. White wines made from Chardonnay grapes tend to be dryer than ones made from Riesling grapes, which are known for their slightly sweeter taste in the fermenting juice. Within these two categories, white wine can be further categorized by flavour profile, aroma and body. Examples:

Dry white wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis, Riesling and Pinot Grigio.
Sweet white wines include Moscato d’Asti and Icewine.

What other grapes are used for White Wine?

Other white grape varieties commonly used for white wine include Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Viognier and Pinot Gris.

What is the Difference Between White, Red and Rose Wine?

The main difference is the colour of the grapes used in production. To make white wine, white or mostly white grapes are fermented without their skins – this gives white wines a clear hue. To make red wine, red grapes are fermented with their skins on – this gives the resulting to a dark, reddish colour. On the other hand, to make rose wines, white and sometimes even red grapes are fermented for a short period of time with their skins on — this gives rose wines a light pink hue.

How Many Calories Are in White Wine?

White wine typically has around 120 to 160 calories per 5-ounce glass. The exact number of calories varies depending on the grape variety used and how much residual sugar is left in “the juice”. For example, if made from sweeter grapes like Riesling, it will have more calories than whites made from drier grapes like Chardonnay.

How to Drink

It feels better if served chilled, generally between 7 and 12 degrees Celsius. It should also be served in white wine glasses, which are smaller than red’s so that the aroma and flavours could be fully enjoyed. When drinking, swirl the glass before taking a sip to allow the flavour and aroma to come through. When serving, pour it slowly and evenly into each glass.

How to Store

White wine should always be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Ideally, white wines should be stored at the temperature it’s also served – 7-12 degrees Celsius. White wines should also be kept upright – preventing oxidation and keeping the wines fresh for longer.

6 Benefits of Drinking White Wine

A glass of white without the need to worry about harshness or tannins. It has many benefits, some of which may surprise you. Here are six reasons why white wine is worth trying:

Lower in Calories – most white wines tend to be lower in calories than red wines because white wine does not contain tannins, which adds to the calorie count. Which makes it a match.
A Refreshing and Light beverage – unlike some red wines, whites tend to be light and refreshing. Makes it one of the best seasonal drinks for sipping on a hot summer day.
Keeps Lungs Healthy – white wine is said to contain high levels of flavonoid antioxidants, which can help protect lung tissue from damage.
Supports A Healthy Gut – The probiotics in white wines may help promote a healthy gut microbiome by increasing the beneficial bacteria and reducing inflammation.
May Help Reduce Blood Pressure – Studies suggest white wine can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Reduce Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: The moderate consumption of white wine has been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes due to its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to improve insulin sensitivity.

What Meals Go Well With White Wine?

White wines are best paired with light meals, like white fish, white meats (like chicken and turkey), salads, white pasta dishes, white pizzas, white risottos, white sauces and seafood. Here are a few dishes we like to pair it with:

Grilled white fish with white wine and herb sauce
Chicken and white bean soup
Seafood linguine in white wine sauce
Spinach, artichoke and feta white pizza
White pea risotto with parmesan cheese

How to Distinguish Good from Bad White Wine?

Good white wine will have a pleasant aroma with notes of fruit (such as citrus), flowers, herbs and spices; it will also have a balanced flavour that is not overly acidic or sweet. When tasting white wine look for a creamy texture on the mid-palette followed by a light finish. Bad wines may taste overly acidic or bitter due to spoilage or improper cellaring.

What Are Some of the Best White Wine Brands in the UK?

Our top picks include Tall Horse (Tall Horse Sauvignon Blanc 2020), Moko Marlborough (Moko Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020), Domaine de la Motte (Domaine de la Motte Chablis 2020), Cloudy Bay, Chablis, Mayfly, Pinot Grigio, The Cloud Factory and Riesling.

With that said, let’s wrap it up!

Whether you’re a white wine connoisseur or just starting to explore this wonderful beverage, white wine offers something for every palette. And with so many wines online, it can be hard to choose the right pick for your meal or occasion. But, once you understand the basics of white wine and how to select a good bottle, it becomes easier to find one that suits your tastes. A pro tip – make sure to sample as many different wites varieties as possible in order to find your favourite.