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Sites focus on the most popular types of white wine and red wine and you can easily find a list of wine types on wine oriented sites. It will allow you can begin to explore the subtle differences between wine offerings. Sites also offer definitions of wine types and information on food pairings too.
How the Different Types of White Wine Are Made
White wine types are made from white grapes while red wines are made from dark, red, ruby or purple grapes. Wines will have varying flavors which are dependent on a variety of factors. Where the grapes are grown, when the grapes are harvested, the climate, the conditions of the soil, moisture conditions, and how the grapes are processed and aged will all determine the end result of any wine concoction. Wine blending, the act of mixing two or more wines together, also changes the flavor of different white wines.
Grapes for white wine are grown in regions of Italy, Germany, France, Austria, Europe, in Washington, Oregon, New York, and California. They are also grown in South Africa, New Zealand, Chile, and Australia as well. White wines are offered with different aromas and flavors. You will find however, that the types of white wine on offer are often more mellow and lighter than red wine variants.
The Unique Types of White Wines
Chardonnay White Wine
Chardonnay is a popular favorite among white wine lovers. This wine is often full bodied; golden in color, and it has a velvety smooth flavor which subtle tastes like vanilla, spice, oak, butter, nuts, or fruit. The grapes for this wine type are usually grown in regions of France. This wine can be paired with oysters, or a strong tasting cheese. It is also good with seafood with a light sauce, seafood in a cream sauce, with grilled fish, poultry, or pork.
Chenin Blanc White Wine
Chenin Blanc is made from white grapes that are grown and harvested from regions in California along with areas of France, particularly in the Loire Valley. This wine has a high acidity and the wine often has a fruity flavor that is light and delightful. You can get Chenin Blanc white wines that are sweet, crispy, or dry. This wine is often paired with mild cheeses, strong cheeses, lobster, crab, shrimp, shellfish, Asian dishes, and poultry.
Gewurztraminer
The word Gewurztraminer when translated comes to mean “spicy,” and this is what you get with this type of white wine. Gewurztraminer has bold flavors with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, or clove. The wine, despite its bold taste, is still a very light wine offering. The grapes to make this wine are usually from France, particularly the Alsace region. It is often paired with mild cheeses, Asian dishes, poultry, and pork dishes.
Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio White Wine
Pinot Gris, sometimes identified as Pino Grigio, is made from grapes from France and the Alsace region. European variants of this wine are more acidic when compared to the variants made in the United States. This type of wine has a citrus bouquet, and a fruity flavor that can be a bit spicy. You will find this wine is crisp and fresh. This wine can be paired with crackers, seafood, cheese, Italian dishes, and fruits.
More Types of White Wine
Riesling White Wine
Riesling is a wine made from grapes that grow in Germany and from grapes that grow in the Alsace region of France as well as the Finger Lakes Region of New York. Some grapes for Riesling wines are also grown in Washington and in California. This wine has a medium body, a fruity bouquet, and it has a high acidity. This type of wine is offered in dry and sweet variants. It is best when paired with chocolates or mild cheeses.
Sauvignon Blanc White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc white wine is made from grapes from France in the Loire Valley and in Bordeaux. They are also made from grapes grown and harvested in South Africa, in New Zealand, and in California. These white wine types are acidic and crisp with a light flavor. This wine can be paired with a lot of different foods including mild and strong cheeses, oysters, lobster, shrimp, crab, shellfish, and poultry.
Semillon White Wine
Semillon white wine can be consumed as a stand alone wine, but it is often utilized in wine blends. It is made from grapes grown in Loupiac, Barsac, Sauternes, and Bordeaux. It can be blended with another white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a delightful tasting wine with a full body. It can be paired with Italian dishes, poultry, or seafood.
Viognier White Wine
Viognier white wine is made from grapes grown in California and France, particularly the Rhone region. This wine is mildly acidic and it has an apricot or peach flavor. It can be paired with poultry, veal, and pork dishes.
Finding Out More About Types of White Wine Online
About.com®
About.com® has a section on types of white wine. You can find out about the definition of wine types, the different types of wine, and you can get a list of wine types on the site too. The types of white wine explored on About.com® include Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Riesling wines, and Sauvignon Blanc. You can also access information on wine basics, white wines, red wines, wine and food, wine clubs, wine reviews, wine and travel, wine storage, wine serving, fortified wines, wine tasting, wine and health, vineyard vocabulary, and wine buying. Visit the site for more information at:
http://wine.about.com/od/typesofwhitewines/Types_of_White_Wines.htm.
Easy-Wine.net
Easy-Wine.net has a listing of different types of white wine. You can check out information about Chardonnay wines, Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon wines. You can also discover different food pairings and wine accessories. For more details visit:
http://www.easy-wine.net/whitewines.htm.
High Gravity
The High Gravity website offers free information on the types of white wines available. You can learn more about Chablis, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewurtztraminer, Muscat wine, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon, Semillon, and Viognier. You can also access information on making your own wine. Visit the site for more details at:
http://www.highgravitybrew.com/types_of_white_wine.htm.
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