Did you ever find yourself overwhelmed by a wine list in a restaurant? It is possible to narrow it down to something white at x cost, but what then? You begin to notice the different types of white wines (the Chardonnays, Sauv Blancs, and Pinot Grigios). Your eyes begin to blur. You whisper, “Maybe this Chardonnay”, to the waitress and point out your thoughts.
It can be difficult to order wine from an online wine delivery service such as GoPuff because the world of wine is so complex. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about white wine. (And while you’re there, visit our guide for red wine types.
What’s white wine, and what makes it different from red wine?
White wine means wine with a color that can range from pale yellow to golden. It is usually made from white grapes. Red wine is a reddish-colored wine made from red grapes.
Red wine and white wine are also made in different ways. White wine is made by extracting the white grape juice immediately from the grape skins before fermentation. (More details below). Red wine is created by macerating red grape juice with grape skins, stems, and seeds.
What is white wine like?
The taste of white wines varies depending on the characteristics such as wine type, region, and year, but generally, they are more fruity, floral, and citrusy than red wine. Check out our guide for more tips on wine tasting.
White wine terms:
It’s not true that all the “tannins in this variety are positively tanninic,” but it is helpful to learn basic wine terminology if you are looking to find your favorite white wines. We promise to keep it brief and sweet.
Varieties and variety
Varieties refer to different grape varieties, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. A wine made from one grape variety, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, is called a varietal.
Type of body
The body type refers to the wine’s weight in your mouth. Chardonnay has a medium body, and Riesling has light. This means that the Chardonnay is more palatable than Riesling.
Dry, sweet and off-dry
What is dry wine? Dry white wine means a wine that’s not sweet. On the other hand, an off-dry wine can be a little sweet. A sweet white wine will often have a fruity, sugary taste. Some examples, you ask? Chardonnay, Riesling and Moscato are all common white wines.
Tannins
Wine tannins are polyphenols found in grape skins, seeds, and stems. They can add bitterness, astringency, and complexity to the wine. While you may have heard that red wines are high in tannins, white wines also contain tannins. Many people mistakenly believe that only red wines contain tannins.
Red wine is made from macerating red grape juice with grape skins, stems, seeds and grape skins. White wine is made when the juice is removed from the skins. White wines are generally less tannic than red. White wines can still develop tannins when they are aged in wood barrels. Wood also contains naturally occurring tannins.
Acidity
Wines can be tart or sour due to acidity. Red wines are more acidic than white wines but tend to be less acidic than red wines. Lemonade is a popular drink that can make your mouth pucker. Wines from warmer regions tend to be more acidic than those from cooler areas.