White wine is made from green or pale yellow grapes. The production process does not involve prolonged contact between the skin and juice. The result is a wine color ranging from pale clear to golden.
Each type of white wine has a distinct character depending on the grape variety and winemaking technique. Some are light and crisp, some are full and creamy, and others are aromatic and sweet.
If you need a guide for choosing your first white wine, read on. This
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Types of White Wine by Character and Body
White wine can be grouped by body, flavor, and aroma. This grouping will help you choose the right wine for your palate and the dish on your table.
Here are six types of white wine you will find most often at restaurants and wine bars.
1. Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a light-bodied white wine with high acidity. Its signature aromas include citrus, green apple, and fresh grass.
This type of wine originates from Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France. Today, New Zealand and Chile also produce high-quality Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with light seafood, salads, and goat cheese. Its high acidity also makes it an effective palate cleanser after creamy dishes.
2. Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris, falls under the category of light and refreshing white wine. The taste is gentle with aromas of lemon, lime, and green apple.
This variety originates from Burgundy, France, but Italy is actually the world's largest producer.
Take the Attems Pinot Grigio from Friuli available at Bar Luca. This wine has a fresh character with a mineral touch typical of the Friuli region.
Pinot Grigio pairs well with fish dishes, light pasta, and summer salads.
3. Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the most popular type of white wine in the world. Its character varies widely depending on the production process.
Unoaked Chardonnay fermented in steel tanks has fresh flavors of apple, pear, and citrus. Oaked Chardonnay aged in wooden barrels produces buttery, vanilla, and creamy textures.
Bar Luca also offers a Chardonnay collection from various regions. These range from Decoy Chardonnay California to Burgundy Chardonnay by Domaine d'Eugénie and Olivier Leflaive.
Unoaked Chardonnay goes well with grilled fish and seafood. Oaked Chardonnay is better served when you are enjoying roasted chicken, cream pasta, and lobster.
4. Riesling
Riesling is a highly versatile aromatic white wine. Its taste can range from very dry to very sweet depending on the winemaking technique.
This variety originates from Germany and is known for its high acidity along with aromas of apple, honey, and peach. At Bar Luca, you can try the Schloss Vollrads Riesling from Rheingau, Germany. This is a dry Riesling with a clean mineral character.
Dry Riesling pairs well with sushi, grilled fish, and spicy Asian cuisine. Sweet Riesling is better suited to fruit-based desserts.
5. Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is one of the most adaptive varieties out there. Its taste can be dry and sharp, or sweet and honeyed depending on the winemaking technique.
This wine originates from the Loire Valley, France. Its signature flavors include apple, pear, and honey with a hint of waxy aroma.
If you are curious about its taste, Bar Luca curates several Chenin Blanc selections from the Loire Valley. One of them is Domaine Belargus Ronceray from Anjou with a complex character.
Chenin Blanc pairs well with chicken, lobster, and dishes with fruit-based sauces.
6. Moscato
Moscato, also known as Muscat, is a sweet white wine with low alcohol content. It carries a strong aroma of flowers, peach, and citrus.
This variety is very popular in Italy, especially in the Piedmont region. Moscato is often served in sparkling form, such as Moscato d'Asti.
At Bar Luca, Tenuta Foresto Favonio Moscato Bianco from Sicily can be your top pick. This wine is made using a skin contact technique that produces a more complex character.
Moscato pairs well with desserts, mildly spicy food, or as an apéritif.
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Discover Your Favorite White Wine Collection at Bar Luca
From the crisp Sauvignon Blanc, versatile Chardonnay, aromatic Riesling, to the sweet Moscato, each type of white wine has its own character.
Understanding the differences covered in this article will help you choose the right wine for every memorable moment.
Bar Luca curates more than 200 wine labels from various European and New World countries.
Each bottle is selected to accompany the Spanish-inspired dishes at the restaurant, from tapas and paella to other shared plates.
Visit Bar Luca now and explore the best white wine for your special moment.
