Classic Whites
The Classic Whites
Three white wine grapes produce the majority of the world’s most renowned white wines.
Other Whites:
Chenin Blanc[Pronounced shuh-nen-blawnk] Origins: Originally from the French Loire region, especially Vouvray, where it produces bone-dry to quite sweet whites that can age for many years. Also successfully grown in California where it was the most popular white before Chardonnay came onto the scene in the 1970's. It is the leading white grape in South Africa — also known as Steen. Flavor Profile: A fragrant, full, round wine with pear, apple, melon flavors and aromas that can make it seem almost sweet even when it is dry. Its high acidity makes it a good wine to serve with food. Goes with: The sweeter versions go well with spicy dishes, cheese and fruit; the drier versions pair naturally with seafood and appetizers. |
Gewurztraminer[Pronounced guh-VOORZ-trah-mean-err] Gewurz means "spicy" in German, an apt descriptor for this exotic wine. Don't let the spelling and pronunciation keep you from trying this gem. Origins: From both sides of the Rhine — French Alsace on the west side, Germany on the east, Gewurz likes a cool climate. There are also some fine domestic examples from Michigan, New York, and the state of Washington. Flavor Profile: From off-dry to bone-dry, Gewurz may seem sweeter than it is because of its perfume, fruit and spice. The complex flavors -- honey suckle, vanilla, gingerbread, fruit cocktail, lychee, minerals, stones -- make it an intriguing wine that some people love and some find too exotic. The dark pink grapes produce a light to dark golden-yellow wine. The wines are medium- to full-bodied and can seem almost oily. The aromas are intense and floral -- rose, gardenia, honeysuckle, geranium, acacia, verbena and violets. Spice flavors like vanilla, gingerbread, clove, cinnamon, and allspice are common. Fruit flavors range from lychee and mango to peach and apricot. Cooler climate Gewurz tends to the floral side; warmer climate Gewurz tends to tropical fruit flavors. Goes with: Indian Curries specifically and with spicy food in general, ham and dinner sausages, foie gras, liver pâtés, smoked fish, melon, mild blue cheeses, fresh mozzarella, mild cheddar, apricots & pears, quiches, soufflés, French onion soup, grilled trout, grilled scallops, roast duck, goose or turkey, baked ham, stuffed pork chops, veal Marsala, roast game hen or rabbit, Eggs Benedict, Chinese & Thai dishes and fruit tarts. |
Viognier[Pronounced VEE-oh-nyay] This delightful, versatile, aromatic white is currently gaining popularity. Origins: Originally from the Northern Rhone in France where it makes the prestigious white wine of Condrieu and also adds a lovely perfume to the red wine of Cote-Rotie, Viognier is now grown in California and Australia. It is also producing some nice wines in Virginia. Flavor Profile: Viognier is elegant and accessible with a lovely honeyed aroma and texture , and because of its heavier mouth feel, a nice alternative to Chardonnay. Its flavors & aromas are unmistakable--apricots, kiwi, lychee, guava, mango, pineapple, lime & tangerine, orange blossoms, roses, violets, jasmine, honey suckle. And in spite of all that rich fruit and perfume, it is usually a dry, crisp wine. Goes with: The crisper, lighter versions (like Gewurz) pair well with spicy food: Thai, Chinese, Indian, Pacific Rim, or Cajun cuisine. Serve it with assorted appetizers, honey barbecued chicken wings, smoked fish, pâtés, cold cuts. Serve with soups and sandwiches, vegetarian dishes. It pairs well with seafood: seafood chowders & curried soups, shrimp and crab salads, sautéed scallops, grilled shrimp, sautéed, grilled, or baked fish. It complements fruit-based dishes and desserts, cold cuts, semi-soft and ripening cheeses, baked ham and roast pork. |
MuscatOrigins: Every Mediterranean country has a famous wine based on this ancient grape variety, varying from light & bone dry, to low-alcohol sparkling versions, to very sweet, syrupy and high alcohol dessert wines. The most well known version is Asti Spumante. Flavor: The heady apricot, honey, and orange blossom flavors are the flavors of the grape that is often grown as a table grape. Goes with: The light, low-alcohol versions are THE wine to accompany a sweet heavy dessert. The stickier sweet versions are perfect with that classic Italian first course: melon and prosciutto. |