The Diversity of White Wine: Exploring The Different Types of White Wine
White wine is a fascinating and diverse category within the world of wine. While red wine often garners much of the spotlight, white wine offers a wide range of flavours and characteristics, making it a compelling choice for wine enthusiasts. Let’s explore the world of white wine, delving into the different types of white wine available to enjoy.
Varieties of White Wine Grapes
- White wine can be made from a multitude of grape varieties, each offering its own unique set of flavours and characteristics. Some popular white grape varieties include:
- Chardonnay – Known for its versatility, Chardonnay can produce a wide range of styles, from oaked and buttery to crisp and unoaked. It offers flavours of green apple, citrus, and sometimes notes of vanilla and toast.
- Sauvignon Blanc – Sauvignon Blanc is recognised for its bright acidity and zesty flavours. It often features aromas of green herbs, grass, and tropical fruits, such as passion fruit or guava.
- Riesling – Riesling is celebrated for its sweetness, acidity, and intense aromatics. It can offer notes of honey, apricots, and a vibrant, floral bouquet.
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris – This grape variety produces light, crisp wines with flavours of green pear, apple, and often a hint of almond.
- Viognier – Viognier is known for its lush and aromatic character, often displaying notes of stone fruits like peach, and apricot, and a rich, floral aroma.
Styles of White Wine
White wine comes in a variety of styles, ranging from bone-dry to sweet. Some of the most common styles include:
- Dry White Wine – These wines have little to no residual sugar, resulting in a crisp and refreshing taste. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are popular choices for dry white wine.
- Off-Dry White Wine – Off-dry white wines have a touch of sweetness, making them a pleasant choice for those who prefer a hint of sugar. Riesling often falls into this category.
- Sweet White Wine – These wines are distinctly sweet, with notable residual sugar. Late-harvest Rieslings and Sauternes are well-known examples.
- Sparkling White Wine – Sparkling white wines, such as Champagne and Prosecco, are known for their effervescence and lively, refreshing character.
The world of white wine offers something for every palate, from light and crisp options to rich and aromatic selections. Whether you enjoy a zesty Sauvignon Blanc with seafood or a buttery Chardonnay with chicken, white wine provides a diverse and satisfying range of choices.
Our SLW White Wine is 11% volume and is made with Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes. It is a delicious, dry and crisp floral wine, with exotic fruit aromas and a deep rich flavour. You can find it in our online shop here.
