We all know that white wine is the unofficial drink of the summer months.
But while this may be the case, white wine is also great paired with seafood dishes or a creamy pasta on a cold winter’s night. There are so many different, equally fabulous varieties of white wine, ranging from the ever-popular, buttery chardonnay to the zesty pinot gris.
Most of the flavours of the best white wines are taken not so much from the fruits of summer, but rather from the yellow fruits of autumn. Of course, all white wines are best served chilled, which is why they have become such a summer staple.
All around the world, excellent white wines are produced across varying price ranges. Some of them are incredibly smooth while others are delightfully tangy.
Take a look at our list of the best white wines you need to try – in summer or winter!
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Best White Wine For Beginners
If you’re new to white wine you have a long and exciting road ahead. If you’re still learning what to try at your next wine tasting or what to pick up at the store on your way to dinner, our favourite crowd pleasers are a great starting point:
Château Montelena Chardonnay
A chardonnay is always a good call. This kind of wine is the most frequently purchased in the entire world. The grapes used to make chardonnay are light green in colour and boast rather robust flavours. These kinds of grapes grow in all areas, which is perhaps why chardonnay is so perennially popular.
This particular chardonnay is produced in the famous Napa Valley, where the grapes grow in large, plentiful clusters. It’s easy drinking, tastes great, and it’s sure to go down smoothly as a meal accompaniment, or even just as it is.
Far Niente Chardonnay
The Far Niente Chardonnay has gorgeous aromas of honeysuckle, melon, and grilled citrus, as well as gardenia, white fig, and toasted hazelnuts. All of this is accompanied by the warmth and richness of toasted oak.
This entry is on our list of the best white wine for beginners because of its silky feel on the palate, which is followed by a rich texture that continues to evolve the more you drink it. At its core, this wine has notes of toasted vanilla and baking spices.
Jefferson Vineyards Viognier 2019
Jefferson Vineyards is in Virginia, America’s most recent up-and-coming wine region. The land upon which the vineyard is located was once owned by Thomas Jefferson. The grapes used to make this wine have a beautiful balance that translates wonderfully to the wine.
This viognier smells of orange blossoms and honey and has a good depth to it. The wine’s acidity is just right, and it makes for the perfect accompaniment to grilled fish.
Smoothest White Wine
Sometimes all you need is a smooth, refreshing glass of wine to pair with your cheese board. Below, you will find some of our favourite smooth white wines.
Selbach-Oster Riesling Kabinett 2018 Review
This smooth Riesling is very well balanced. Selbach-Oster Riesling Kabinett feels very lush on the palate. It is just very slightly sweet, making it perfect for pairing with a sweet or salty cheese or a fruit-based dessert. This is a bit different for Riesling, which usually pairs best with spicy foods. There is a subtlety to this wine, which makes it incredibly smooth and easy to drink.
Mullineux ‘Kloof Street’ Chenin Blanc
This South African white wine is a beautiful take on a classic chenin blanc. It has a delicious, salted honey flavour and boasts a vibrant acidity. This chenin is very similar to chardonnay in that it’s quite smooth and is certainly a crowd pleaser. The Mullineux ‘Kloof Street’ Chenin Blanc is incredibly well-balanced and is also very good value for money.
Dragonette Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Happy Canyon
Brandon Sparks-Gillis, the winemaker at Dragonette Cellars, is well known for crafting complex wines that stand out on every list of the best white wines. Sparks-Gillis works exclusively with vineyards that lie on top of sandy soils and temperate climates, both of which create the perfect growing conditions for sauvignon blanc. This excellent, smooth wine has beautifully delicate flavours of crisp apple, herbs, pear, lemon, and peach.
Best Affordable White Wine
When it comes to white wine, the price range can be quite wide. If you are looking for the best quality wines at affordable prices, look no further than the list below as well as some supermarket wine offers for the best deals to get your night started.
Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap White
This Wolftrap White is yet another South African wine that displays just how innovative the country’s winemakers can be. South Africa is full of incredible blends and has produced numerous unique kinds of wine. This particular wine has an interesting blend that shouldn’t really work, but somehow does.
Wolftrap is also one of the best and most affordable, offering an earthy taste that smells of honey, pears, and granola. It also has a calm acidity to it, which makes this wine incredibly easy to drink. This Wolftrap White pairs well with a range of different dishes, including seafood, pasta and cheeses.
Loveblock Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Hailing from Marlborough, New Zealand, this Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc has a similar aroma profile to all the other wines from this region. This wine has embodied the inviting aromas of sweet, freshly cut grass and bell pepper, which is balanced by a gassy acidity. The bell pepper itself is quite muted, giving way to a fruity flavour. However, this does not make the wine overly sweet. This is one of New Zealand’s finest wines and at a very inviting price point. The wine is also produced according to sustainable standards and has a beautiful label, so it would make for a lovely gift.
Cavit Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie Igt 2019
This Cavit Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie is incredibly crisp and refreshing. It is everything that you’d want from a pinot grigio but at a very low price point. The fruity flavours of this wine are well-balanced with the acidity and makes for the perfect, reliable wine that is perfect for every celebration.
There’s a whole world of white wines that deserve a try, no matter what the seasons or the occasion. Start with these and see which ones are your favorites.
Born amidst the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley, Chloe’s love for wine was instilled from a young age. This passion led her to the picturesque wine regions of France, where she immersed herself in the rich wine culture and traditions.
Chloe’s dedication to the craft culminated in her becoming a wine sommelier, a testament to her deep knowledge and appreciation for wines.