Only Drink Reds? These White Wines Will Change Your Mind
Everyone has their favorite color in the class, some prefer the ruby red of the red Burgundy, some are fans of the pale gold of Pinot Grigio. The difference between white wine and red wine lies in more than just color. Oftentimes, red wine drinkers find white wine too “light” or too “simple.” If you are a red wine lover and feel adventurous to try some whites, or if you are keen to convert your red wine drinking friends to drink white wines, here are some white wines that can win over red wine drinkers' hearts.
Like It Big and Bold? Try These Oaked Whites
Big, bold, oak-aged wines are dubbed “dad wine” on social media. If you want to surprise dad with a white, an oaked Chardonnay is often the safe bet. Chardonnay, as an aromatically neutral grape, shows affinity to oak aging. The oak gives the wine nutty, warm spicy notes and structure. Napa Valley Chardonnay is the textbook oaked style Chardonnay. If you're looking for something less ripe and buttery, go for a village-level white Burgundy or a Chardonnay from Margaret River in Western Australia.
Rioja is the region that perfected the art of oak aging, and it's not just for the reds. White Rioja is made from the Viura grape, featuring white orchard fruit flavors. The oak aging imparts oxidative notes, texture, and roundness to the wine. If red Rioja is your thing, try the white version.
If you find the Napa Chardonnay too ripe and a bit overpowering, Chenin Blanc from South Africa is your friend. Originating in Loire Valley, France, Chenin Blanc has found its new home on the other side of the globe. Contrary to Loire Valley's crisp, vibrant version, South African Chenin Blancs offer more body, texture, and savory notes, while still maintaining freshness. Think of it as an oaked Chardonnay with an acidity lift. It never disappoints.
Not Your Average White
The wine shelf is dominated by two types of white wine: a buttery, oaky Chardonnay and a light, almost flavorless Pinot Grigio. In the broad spectrum of white wine, many tasty ones get overlooked.
For red wine lovers who enjoy rich fruit flavors but do not like oaky notes, Viognier will be your new white wine crush. Condrieu in the Northern Rhône of France is the pinnacle of Viognier wines; however, the price tag may be a bit forbidding for casual sipping. The grape's distinct characters of honeysuckle, ripe citrus, and apricot make it favored by winemakers around the world. New World Viogniers are easy to approach, but by no means simple. It also can handle rich, spicy dishes that would overpower most white wines.
For less aromatic but equally textured and flavorful whites, Semillon is your wine. It's the blending partner of Sauvignon Blanc for Bordeaux whites to add body and texture, but varietal Semillon from Hunter Valley, Australia, is a treat. Expect nuanced and complex flavors with an opulent texture, backed by a bracing acidity. If you're in for a less common wine, Falanghina from Campania in southern Italy offers a rich texture with abundant fruit notes and a mineral touch.
The White Wine That Tastes Like Red
What if there's a white wine that actually tastes like red wine with tannins and everything? Yes, it's possible. And it's the skin-contact white wines, commonly known as orange wine. As a trending wine style, orange wine actually has a long history dating back 4,000 years in the Republic of Georgia.
Orange wine can be made with any white grape variety using the same winemaking process as red wines, allowing the juice to remain in contact with the skins to extract flavor and tannins.
Depending on the grape variety used and the length of skin contact, orange wine can result in a variety of styles. Compared to normal white wine, orange wines tend to have notes of orange peel, candied fruit, herbs, and earthy tones. With a fuller body and tannin structure, orange wine is our food pairing champion, and goes well with dishes from avocado toast to pork chops!
So, red wine lovers, have you found your white wine favorite?Share this guide with your red wine lover friends and explore the beauty of white wine!
Sylvia Ba
