Although white wine isn’t as noticed as its red counterpart, don’t be so quick to dismiss it! White wine can be used for cooking, as a refreshing drink on a hot day, or even as a pre-game appetizer. So, you can’t deny white wines are versatile in their own right. And if you don’t know where to start, then you’ve come to the right place.
We have provided a list of the 10 best white wines you could try, whether you prefer dry, sweet, or even fruity white wine, so you have plenty to choose from. Later on, we will give you the lowdown on white wine, with comments and insights from wine professional, Raymund S. Manzanillo.
Quick List - Top White Wines
Cantine San Marzano
Embrace the Refreshing Charm of Italy's Crisp White Wine
Raymund is currently the chief sommelier who sources and evaluates wines for the portfolio of La Peregrina Filipina, a Philippine-based wine import company. He is a proponent of wine as culture, art, a lifestyle, and an all-important element in the world of gastronomy.
Justine joined mybest in 2020. She gravitates toward writing all things food-related and how they connect people. Aside from writing, she’s made it a point to hunt for the perfect croissant and chocolate chip cookie.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious beginner, this guide is designed to be your trusted companion in navigating the vast array of white wine options available. Let’s uncork the world of white wines!
Wine professional, Raymund Manzanillo maintains that the label may provide information about the wine’s flavor profile and what you could expect from the wine. Additionally, taste variations among white wines result from several key factors, including the grape variety, winemaking techniques, climate, and region of production.
Of course, also consider your personal taste preferences. Some people prefer crisp and refreshing white wines, while others enjoy fuller-bodied and oak-aged styles. Take into account your flavor preferences to find a brand that aligns with your taste.
Several factors shape the taste of white wines. Understanding how these interact will allow you to appreciate the nuances and complexities found in white wines.
Different wine regions around the world have unique terroir, meaning topography, soil composition and microclimates, all of which influence the grape's growth and, consequently, the wine's taste.
France, Italy, Germany, and New World countries like the US and Australia all have distinct wine styles associated with them. For instance, Chardonnay from Burgundy, France, may have distinct mineral notes due to the limestone-rich soils, while Chardonnay from California might be fruitier with tropical flavors.
Cooler climates like Northern France and Germany tend to produce white wines with higher acidity, lower alcohol, and more citrus or green fruit flavors.
In contrast, warmer climates like Spain, Portugal, and Italy produce riper grapes and wines with more tropical fruit characteristics.
White wine comes in various types, each with its distinct characteristics. Learn more about them below:
Chardonnay - a popular and versatile white wine that ranges from light and crisp to rich and buttery. Flavors can include citrus, apple, pear, and tropical fruits.
Sauvignon Blanc - has vibrant acidity and refreshing flavors. It often exhibits notes of green apple, grapefruit, lime, and tropical fruits. And the taste can be herbaceous with hints of grass or bell pepper.
Riesling - these can span a wide range of sweetness levels, from bone dry to lusciously sweet. They often have floral aromas, with flavors of apricot, peach, and honey. However, they can also have mineral or petrol notes.
Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris - generally light and crisp, with citrus, pear, and melon flavors. It tends to be more full-bodied and can have a slightly spicier character.
Gewürztraminer - has an aromatic and exotic profile. It typically has intense floral aromas, along with flavors of lychee, rose, and tropical fruits. It can also have a slight spiciness to it.
Viognier - produces full-bodied wines with rich and aromatic profiles. It often showcases peach, apricot, honeysuckle, and tropical fruit flavors.
White wines are categorized based on their sweetness levels, ranging from dry to off-dry and sweet.
Dry white wines - minimal to no residual sugar, resulting in a crisp and refreshing taste with high acidity. Common examples include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris.
Off-dry white wines - strike a balance between sweetness and acidity, offering a touch of residual sugar. Riesling often falls into this category.
Sweet white wines - contain higher levels of residual sugar, resulting in pronounced sweetness on the palate. Gewürztraminer and some late-harvest Rieslings are notable examples.
Wine labels can also provide indicators to identify a wine's sweetness level. Here are some of the words to help you identify the sweetness level of the wine:
Dry white wines - dry, brut, or sec
Off-dry white wines - off-dry, demi-sec, or halbtrocken
Sweet white wines - sweet, doux, or moelleux
Wine regions such as Mosel (Germany), Alsace (France), Loire Valley (France), and certain regions in Spain and Italy produce quality sweet white wines. Additionally, lesser-known grape varieties, such as Muscat, Chenin Blanc, or Torrontés, offer excellent sweetness and value instead of the more popular varieties.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Region | Grape Variety | Body | Vintage | ABV | |||||
1 | Domaine Louis Chèze Viognier | ![]() | An Aromatic White Wine That Complements a Variety of Dishes | France | Northern Rhone | 100% Viognier | unknown | 2017 | 14% | |
2 | Cantine San Marzano Santoro Trebbiano d'Abruzzo | ![]() | Embrace the Refreshing Charm of Italy's Crisp White Wine | Italy | Abruzzo | Trebbiano | Light to Medium | 2019 | 12% | |
3 | Weingut Gunderloch Gewurztraminer Trocken | ![]() | A Silky Wine With Delicate Aromas | Germany | Rheinhessen | Gewürztraminer | Full | 2015 | 12.5% | |
4 | Domaine Mittnacht Riesling Les Fossiles | ![]() | Has a Vibrant Acidity That Pairs Well With Poultry | France | Alsace | Riesling | unknown | 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 | 13.5% | |
5 | Lievland Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2021 | ![]() | Counteract Creamy Cheeses and Pasta With Its Acidity | South Africa | Paarl | Chenin Blanc | unknown | 2021 | 13% | |
6 | Marlborough Vines Sauvignon Blanc | ![]() | Indulge in Its Zesty and Lively Flavor for Your Pre-Dinner Drink | New Zealand | Marlborough | Sauvignon Blanc | Light | 2022 | 12.5% | |
7 | Beringer Main & Vine Pinot Grigio | ![]() | Refresh Yourself With This Juicy White Wine With Refreshing Peach and Citrus Notes | USA | Napa Valley | Pinot Grigio | unknown | 2016 | unknown | |
8 | Yellow Tail Chardonnay | ![]() | A Smooth and Creamy White Wine That's Suitable for Various Occasions | Australia | Southeastern Australia | Chardonnay | Full | 2022 | 13% | |
9 | Spy Valley Pinot Gris | ![]() | Has the Right Balance of Complexity and Approachability | New Zealand | Marlborough | Pinot Gris | Full | 2020 | 14% | |
10 | Carlo Rossi California White | ![]() | A Reliable and Go-To, Refreshing White Wine | USA | California | Chablis | Light | N.V. | 10.5% |
Country of Origin | France |
---|---|
Region | Northern Rhone |
Grape Variety | 100% Viognier |
Body | unknown |
Vintage | 2017 |
ABV | 14% |
Country of Origin | Italy |
---|---|
Region | Abruzzo |
Grape Variety | Trebbiano |
Body | Light to Medium |
Vintage | 2019 |
ABV | 12% |
Country of Origin | Germany |
---|---|
Region | Rheinhessen |
Grape Variety | Gewürztraminer |
Body | Full |
Vintage | 2015 |
ABV | 12.5% |
Country of Origin | France |
---|---|
Region | Alsace |
Grape Variety | Riesling |
Body | unknown |
Vintage | 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 |
ABV | 13.5% |
Country of Origin | South Africa |
---|---|
Region | Paarl |
Grape Variety | Chenin Blanc |
Body | unknown |
Vintage | 2021 |
ABV | 13% |
Country of Origin | New Zealand |
---|---|
Region | Marlborough |
Grape Variety | Sauvignon Blanc |
Body | Light |
Vintage | 2022 |
ABV | 12.5% |
Hailing from California's wine region, Beringer surprises with its exceptional quality at an affordable price. This wine delivers an invigorating blend of white peach and citrus flavors. It is accompanied with mineral notes, creating a refreshing and bright taste profile.
Additionally, its high acidity adds a zesty touch. This makes it the perfect choice for hot summer days, pre-dinner sips, or for pairing with fresh salads and grilled chicken. This product proves that great wine doesn’t have to break the bank.
Country of Origin | USA |
---|---|
Region | Napa Valley |
Grape Variety | Pinot Grigio |
Body | unknown |
Vintage | 2016 |
ABV | unknown |
Country of Origin | Australia |
---|---|
Region | Southeastern Australia |
Grape Variety | Chardonnay |
Body | Full |
Vintage | 2022 |
ABV | 13% |
Spy Valley Vineyards brings you the essence of New Zealand's Waihopai Valley in their delightful Pinot Gris. This medium-dry white wine offers a fresh and vibrant experience with a creamy and full-bodied palate adorned with notes of peach, citrus, and pear tart.
Moreover, the enticing aromas of sweet honeysuckle, quince, and almond pastry add a touch of complexity. This wine’s approachable and not overly dry nature makes it a fantastic choice for both wine connoisseurs and non-wine drinkers alike. It's the perfect companion for festive gatherings, afternoon get-togethers, and brunches with friends.
Country of Origin | New Zealand |
---|---|
Region | Marlborough |
Grape Variety | Pinot Gris |
Body | Full |
Vintage | 2020 |
ABV | 14% |
Country of Origin | USA |
---|---|
Region | California |
Grape Variety | Chablis |
Body | Light |
Vintage | N.V. |
ABV | 10.5% |
Here’s how to elevate your white wine enjoyment with these expert tips and insights. From serving temperatures to food pairings, we'll guide you through savoring white wines.
It is crucial to avoid over-chilling white wines, as excessively low temperatures can suppress their delicate aromas and flavors, diminishing the overall drinking experience.
Light-bodied white wine styles - Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, are served in a chilled temperature of around 7-10°C.
Fuller-bodied white wines like Chardonnay and Viognier should be served slightly chilled, around 10-13°C, allowing their intricate flavors to unfold fully.
If a white wine becomes too cold, allowing it to warm up slightly in the glass can help unlock its full range of aromas and flavors.
White wines are more delicate and susceptible to oxidation than red wines due to their lower tannin content.
Reseal open bottles to prevent the loss of their vibrant characteristics and store them in the refrigerator. You may also consider using vacuum wine stoppers or wine preservation systems to remove excess air from the bottle and extend its drinkability.
White wines offer a delightful array of pairing possibilities, enhancing the culinary experience with their diverse flavors.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the wine professional, Raymund S. Manzanillo!
The price of a wine doesn't necessarily determine its quality. While some inexpensive wines may lack complexity, there are affordable options that offer excellent taste. Wine quality is subjective, and different people have different preferences.
Exploring various regions, grape varieties, and vintages can help you find affordable wines you enjoy. Price alone is not a definitive indicator of quality. Wine appreciation is personal, and there are options available at different price points.
For transitioning from sweet to dry white wine, I would recommend trying off-dry Riesling, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer (dry), Sauvignon Blanc, or Vermentino. These wines offer a balance between fruitiness and acidity, making them more approachable for those accustomed to sweeter styles.
If wine is your alcoholic beverage of choice, then consider looking at these different varieties of wine. There is the classic red wine, Champagne if you want to bring in the festivities, and even local wines to take your taste buds on a trip! Check them out below.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Domaine Louis Chèze |Viognier
No. 2: Cantine San Marzano|Santoro Trebbiano d'Abruzzo
No. 3: Weingut Gunderloch|Gewurztraminer Trocken
No. 4: Domaine Mittnacht|Riesling Les Fossiles
No. 5: Lievland Old Vines |Chenin Blanc 2021
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others