All white wines are not created equal. There are big differences in taste among different varieties of wine. If you have just reached drinking age and want to become a wine connoisseur, you need to learn the different kinds of white wines so you can be a knowledgeable wine consumer.
White wines are best when they are consumed within a year of purchase. Red wines are better for putting in a wine cellar and letting them age. White wines should all be served at very, very cold temperatures, as chilled white wine is delicious. Pour a small amount of wine into the glass and return the bottle to an ice bucket to avoid letting the wine in your glass warm up to room temperature, where it might develop an acidic taste.
Chardonnay White Wine
Chardonnay is probably the most popular white wine today. In the California wine region, 95% of California wineries produce at least one vintage of Chardonnay wine. This white wine comes from the chardonnay white grape, which will grow in virtually every region where wine grapes can be grown. Chardonnays are known for their crisp, mellow flavor. A chardonnay would never be described as a sweet white wine.
Sauvignon Blanc
Don’t let the name scare you. The Sauvignon Blanc wine family (also sometimes called Fume Blanc) is an excellent starter wine for the beginning wine drinker. This crisp white wine is dry and light in body, making it perfect for drinking with fruit, cheese, or simply on its own as a cocktail. You may detect an undertone of smoky, tart, or herbal flavor. Sauvignon Blanc wines should be consumed soon after they are purchased, because this wine will not improve with age, and it might even worsen in taste and body if you store it for a prolonged period of time.
Riesling White Wine
Riesling is a very popular wine among beginning wine drinkers because it has a sweet flavor that appeals to novices. Rieslings are delicate, fragrant and fruity. They are excellent for serving with fruit, cheese and appetizer courses. Riesling is also a good wine to mix into a wine cocktail. To make an iced wine martini, just pour a glass of Riesling, add a shot of ice cold Vodka and garnish with three frozen seedless grapes – never olives. You may serve olives with chardonnay wines, but the strong taste of olives will overpower the taste of a delicate Riesling.
