There are many characteristics of a wine to be consider. First, one must look at the overall flavor of a wine, examine what it can be paired with, and also what region it comes from. White wines tend to be light and refreshing. They often have fruit and floral flavors and aromas. The following are the most popular white wines, with details concerning their overall flavors, popular food pairings, and origins.
Chardonnay
One of the most well known wines can be made still or sparkling. Chardonnays tend to be more full in body, and since they are often fermented in oak barrels they can have a buttery flavor of vanilla, coconut, or toffee. Chardonnay is often paired with chicken and fish. Although chardonnay is grown all over, its origins come from the Burgundy region of France.
Pinot Grigio
A crisp white wine originally from the Venezia region of Italy. Pinot Grigio is known for being fruity and acidic. It is a versatile wine when it comes to food pairings, though Pinot Grigio pairs nicely with seafood, light pastas and cheese.
Sauvignon Blanc
Originating in the Bordeaux region of France, this wine typically holds herbal characters such as freshly mown grass and bell peppers. The aroma of apples, pears and melon flavors are often found in Sauvignon Blancs. This wine is often paired with poultry, fish, and salads.
Muscat
This wine is often sweet and fruity giving flavors of grapefruit. It is a very versatile wine that grows very easily in many different climates. In the Rhone Valley of Italy it is called Moscato. Muscat is a sweet wine it is often better by itself or served with a dessert course.
Semillon
This is another white wine with origins in the Bordeaux region of France, although it is also grown in Chile, Argentina, Australia, and California. It is typically described as having a strong fig-like taste, and can sometimes be blended with a Sauvignon Blanc to dilute some of those strong flavors. Semillon is often paired with fish, pasta, clams, and mussels.
Gewurztraminer
This wine tends to be very aromatic. This wine is very popular for sipping, but can also be paired with Asian foods and pork. Aromas such as rose petals, peaches, and allspice can be found in Gewurztraminer, and it is typically not as refreshing as other white wines.
White wines are typically very easy to drink as they are light in body - a great refreshing choice in the summer months. Cheers!
Michelle Lee Lutz - Michelle works full-time as a media buyer at an internet marketing company. In her free time she fulfills her love for writing on ...
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