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Most popular white wine: The Most Popular Types of White Wine Grapes

by alexxlab

The Most Popular Types of White Wine Grapes

02/03/2021 Here is a list of 20 different white wine grapes that are extremely popular around the world.

While a handful of white wine grape varietals – such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling – may get most of the attention from wine enthusiasts, there are actually 20 different white wine grapes that are extremely popular around the world. Here’s a closer look at each of them, with a focus on which wine regions produce the best wines with these grapes.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular white grape varieties, and wines made with Chardonnay can be found on just about any wine list in the world. The legendary Burgundy wine region of France is traditionally acknowledged as the home of Chardonnay, although Chardonnay wines from California and Australia are also popular. Californian winemakers began experimenting with a Chardonnay to rival those from Burgundy in the 1960s, and by the mid-1970s had created wines that were the equal of any from Burgundy.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a white grape variety best known for its crisp, dry and refreshing white wines. The traditional home of Sauvignon is in France, especially within the wine-growing regions of Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. Sauvignon Blanc is very expressive of the local terroir, and can range in flavour from grassy to sweet, and in aroma from floral to fruity, depending on whether the grape is being grown in a cooler or more tropical climate.

Riesling

In terms of wine production, Riesling ranks among the top three white grape varieties worldwide (along with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc). The traditional home of Riesling is the Rhine region of Germany, especially the wine-growing sub-regions of Mosel and Rheingau. Riesling wines are noteworthy for being highly aromatic and high in acidity, usually with floral or tropical fruit notes. Unlike other grape varieties, Riesling is almost never blended with other grapes.

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris (also popularly known as “Pinot Grigio”) is a white grape variety that is part of the Pinot family that includes Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. The berry skins of Pinot Gris tend to be rose-coloured, and the resulting wines are often deep golden yellow in appearance. There are two main types of Pinot Gris wines. Within France (and especially Alsace), the wines are spicy and full-bodied. Within Italy, however, the Pinot Grigio wines are lighter-bodied and more acidic.

Semillon

Semillon is a golden-skinned grape that is used to make both dry and sweet white wines. The most famous Sémillon wine producers, such as Château d’Yquem, are based in France’s legendary Bordeaux wine region, where they make Sauternes sweet wines as well as dry white blends known as Bordeaux Blanc. In addition to Bordeaux in France, Sémillon can be found in Australia, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa, and Argentina.

Gewurztraminer

Gewurztraminer is a white, aromatic grape variety that is named for a German-speaking province of Italy. However, the traditional home of Gewurztraminer is Alsace, the French wine region located along the German border. In addition to Alsace, Gewurztraminer can be found across Europe in Germany, Austria, Italy and Eastern Europe. Gewurztraminer wines are known for having aromas of lychee, roses, passion fruit and flowers.

Viognier

Viognier is a white grape variety that is most commonly grown in France, California and Australia. The traditional home of Viognier is the Rhone wine region of France. Over the past two decades, however, California’s Central Coast has emerged as an important new producer of Viognier wines. White wines made from the Viognier grape tend to be full-bodied, with a lush, soft character.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a white grape variety most closely associated with the Loire Valley of France. In the 21st century, however, South Africa has surpassed the Loire Valley as the world’s top producer of Chenin Blanc wines. Within France’s Loire Valley, the best examples of Chenin Blanc come from Anjou, where it produces dry white wines with notes of apple and quince, and Vouvray, where it produces off-dry white wines with floral notes and honey-like flavours.

Gruner Veltliner

Gruner Veltliner is a white grape variety that is generally considered to be the national grape of Austria. In fact, Gruner Veltliner now accounts for one-third of all vineyards in Austria, with most of them clustered in the northeast of the country. The best Gruner Veltliner wines come from three Austrian wine regions – Wachau, Kremstal, and Kamptal – that are located along the steeply sloped terraces of the Danube River.

Torrontes

Torrontes is a white grape variety that is grown almost exclusively in Argentina, where it is used to create fresh, aromatic wines with moderate to high acidity and a very smooth texture. Aromas from the best Torrontes wines include peach and apricot. In terms of drinkability, Torrontes wines are most similar to those made from Muscat grapes.

Muller-Thurgau

Muller-Thurgau is a white grape variety that traces its origins back to 1882 when a Swiss-born professor crossed Riesling with Silvaner in Germany’s Rheingau region. Muller-Thurgau is a classic example of the “new breed” of grape that has emerged since the end of the 19th century. Within Germany, Muller-Thurgau is now the second-most planted grape, trailing only Riesling.

Silvaner

Silvaner is a white grape variety that is primarily grown in western Germany and the French wine region of Alsace. It became extremely popular in the decades after the end of World War II as one of the grapes used to make the German wine Liebfraumilch. However, after a peak of popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Liebfraumilch fell out of favour, and so did Silvaner. Silvaner remains the third-most popular white grape variety grown in Germany, trailing only Riesling and Müller-Thurgau.

Pinot Blanc

The traditional home of Pinot Blanc is the northeast of France, in the Alsace wine growing region. In addition, Pinot Blanc is grown in France’s famed Burgundy wine region. Outside of France, Pinot Blanc is also popular in the Baden and Palatinate wine regions of Germany (where it is known as Weissburgunder), in Austria (where it is known as Klevner), and in Spain and Italy (where it is known as Pinot Bianco).

Muscat

Muscat ranks among the oldest domesticated grape varieties, with its history stretching all the way back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians and Persians. There are actually 200 different types of Muscat grapes, but only four primary types typically used to make wines: Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat of Hamburg and Muscat Ottonel. As young wines, they tend to have aromas of citrus, rose and peach.

Airen

Airen is a white grape variety that is traditionally found only in its native Spain. Currently, Airen accounts for 30% of all grapes grown in Spain. This grape is typically found in the hot, dry growing conditions of central Spain, especially wine regions such as La Mancha and Valdepeñas. In terms of planted surface alone, Airén is now No. 3 in the entire world (trailing only Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot).

Roussanne

Roussanne is a white wine grape found primarily in the Rhône Valley wine region of France. There, it is often blended with Marsanne in order to create a highly aromatic white wine. The name “Roussanne” is derived from the French word roux, which means russet in English. This refers to the colour of the golden, reddish-brown berries when Roussanne ripens. Roussanne wines are known for their flowery, herbal tea aromas.

Garganega

Garganega is an Italian white grape variety that is primarily found in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. Garganega is now one of the six most popular white grape varieties in Italy, where it is primarily known for its role in the creation of Italy’s crisp white Soave wines, which experienced a huge spike in popularity amongst wine drinkers in the 1960s and 1970’s.

Verdicchio

Verdicchio is a white grape variety that is primarily found within the Marche region of central Italy. The name Verdicchio is derived from “verde,” the word for green. This is a reference to the slightly green-yellow hue of classic Verdicchio wines. Verdicchio wines are characterized by their lack of colour, high acidity and citrus (including lemon) note. Some Verdicchio wines also have distinctive almond notes.

Marsanne

Marsanne is a white grape variety most commonly found in the northern Rhône wine region. In addition, this grape variety can be found within France within the Savoy and Languedoc wine regions. Marsanne is the principal grape used in the distinctive wines of the Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph AOCs.

 

Albarino

Albarino (also known as “Alvarinho”) is a white grape variety that is primarily found along the North Atlantic coastline of Spain and Portugal. Spain’s Galicia region is the traditional home of Albarino, especially the Rias Baixas DO, where it accounts for nearly 90% of all grapes grown. Across the border in Portugal, the Vinho Verde wine region is the home of Albarino grape production.

The true depth and variety of any restaurant wine list can be judged by the diversity of the white wines that are available. While Chardonnay is often the most popular choice, there are many other options if you are interested in experimenting with different white wines produced around the world, from Australia to California.

20 Popular Types of White Wine

People recognized white wine as a staple beverage at the dinner table. The truth is there are so many different types of white wines across the globe. However, knowing the best white wine could be challenging if one is new to the world of wine.

In this write-up, we tried to cover the most famous white wine types, their origins, flavors, tastes, and excellent food pairings. So, let’s set the record straight. Here are the 20 Popular Types of White Wine you should try.

What is White Wine?

Winemakers produce white wine without skin contact. One can find white wine colors, usually yellow-gold, yellow-green, and straw yellow. Historically, people believed that white wine existed for 4,000 years.

Health Benefits of White Wine

The great thing about white wine is its potent health benefits. Experts say that white wine can help lower cholesterol. In addition, white wine contains antioxidants that protect the heart, boost brain function, balance blood sugar levels, and fight colds.

Here’s how white wine works in improving one’s overall health:

  • Drinking white wine in moderation can help in losing weight.
  • White wine prevents some forms of cancer, most specifically, bowel cancer.
  • White wine has powerful antioxidants that help strengthen the heart.
  • White wine contains valuable nutrients keeping the lung tissues working well.

Since white wine is such a good thing, let’s dive in and take a closer look at the 20 Popular Types of White Wine.

1. Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a medium to a full-bodied type of dry white wine. People believed that you could trace back the home of Chardonnay to Burgundy, France. The taste of Chardonnay widely ranges from fruit flavors such as apple and lemon to papaya and pineapple.

But the wonderful thing about Chardonnay is its versatility. It works with various food flavors. A classic match for this white wine would be shellfish like prawns, crab, and lobster or white fish such as halibut.

 

2. Pinot Gris or Grigio

Here’s a white wine that has been entirely popularized in Italy. Originating from Burgundy, France, Pinot Gris is a light-bodied wine featuring fresh and floral aromas.

Pinot Gris can differ in flavor and be dry or sweet depending on where it was harvested. Usually, flavors will execute citrus, pear, and white peach taste. Its additional flavors would be grapefruit, honeysuckle, and green apple. Pinot Gris would work well with pasta, vegetarian, and seafood dishes.

 

3. Sauvignon Blanc

Recognized as Australia’s favorite white Wine, Sauvignon Blanc is famous in different regions worldwide. While this white wine was initially crafted in Bordeaux, France, you can now find Sauvignon Blanc in the United States, South Africa, and Europe.

Sauvignon Blanc is enriched with many flavors, but it varies depending on the climate where it grows. In cold regions, this white wine has a blend of grassy taste. Still, it has floral and fruity aromas in warmer areas.

If you like to try Sauvignon Blanc, it would be fantastic to pair it with lighter meats like turkey and chicken.

 

4. Riesling

While most white wines come from France, Riesling originates from the region of the Rhine in Germany. When it comes to its typical taste, Rieslings are much lighter compared to Chardonnay wines. It has a sweet flavor profile containing lower alcohol content.

Riesling white wines range from dry to sweet, with the sweet being the crowd’s favorite. At most, people use Riesling as a dessert wine.

However, because of its sweetness, it would be a perfect match with spicy dishes. You can also try this white wine with a delicate dish, duck, pork, and chicken.

 

5. Viognier

Gaining its wide reputation of being classy and aromatic, Viognier is classified as a full-bodied white wine. Do you like to have this white wine for dinner? It would be an excellent match for grilled and roasted meat.

If you are a passionate lover of Chardonnay, you will most likely enjoy a cold glass of Viognier. While this white wine has less acidity than Chardonnay, Viognier has bold flavors.

You can taste a blend of tangerine, mango, nutmeg, clove, and vanilla once you take a sip.

 

6. Torrontes

Torrontes is a famous white wine from Argentina ideal for the drinker who loves floral, fruity aromas like roses and peaches. You can find the most excellent Torrontes wines from vineyards in Salta, Argentina.

This dry, aromatic wine has a smooth texture and moderate acidity. Due to its dry style and sweet aroma, this white wine is perfect to pair with light Asian dishes such as Indian Curries or Chicken Tikka Masala.

 

7. Vermentino

Vermentino is a white wine grape that has its roots in the Mediterranean. With its broad and fresh taste, Vermentino provides wine lovers of Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay with a unique flavor.

Usually, on its palate, Vermentino is always dry with a bit of oily citrus and grapefruit flavors. Since this white wine has a crispness and oily character, it’s perfect to pair with seafood, vegetables, pasta, and meals with rich spices and herbs.

 

8. Verdicchio

Known as one of the best and finest, Verdicchio is one of Italy’s longest-lived dry white wines. Wine enthusiasts love Verdicchio because of its peachy aroma and sweet and oily texture.

A full-bodied wine, Verdicchio will indeed pair beautifully with delicious truffle dishes. Because of its mild oil texture, you would love this white wine with herby pasta sauces such as pesto, vegetable dishes, and white fish.

 

9. Moscato

Do you enjoy and prefer the sweeter side when it comes to wine? Then Moscato would be your ultimate go-to. A rising star among white wines, Moscato is known for its sweet flavors such as peach, pear, orange, and blossom.

Because of its low alcohol content, Moscato is a wine that works exquisitely with appetizers. It will also pair well with desserts like vanilla, caramel, coconut, fruit tarts, and butterscotch.

But if you love to try this white wine over a full meal, it would be best to pair it with chicken, fish, or Chinese food.

 

10. Gewurztraminer

Gewurztraminer is a white wine famous in Europe, the United States, and Australia. The origin of this off-dry or semi-dry white wine hails back from Alsace, France. Traditionally, this white wine is known for its sweet, intense taste.

On top of that, Gewurztraminer presents different aromas ranging from tropical fruits to rose and apricot kernels with sweet spices and pepper. For food recommendations, this white wine will enhance the flavors of fishes like tuna, salmon, halibut, and red snapper.

 

11. Verdelho

Showcasing guava, pineapple, and apple flavors, Verdelho is a great, fruity style of full-bodied white wine from the Portuguese island of Madeira. Overall, Verdelho is medium-dry, coming with a leafy, spicy, or crisp aroma growing in popularity in Australia.

Since this white wine has fruit-like flavors and sweetness, Verdelho would be a perfect drink for light meals. It would be an ideal beverage for people who enjoy seafood, chicken, or Asian meals.

 

12. Roussanne

Roussanne is a white wine that got its name after its skin color when it’s ripe, “Russet,” or reddish brown. This white wine has complex flavors of hay, pears, honey, peaches, nuts, and mineral notes. And once you open the wine bottle, you’ll realize that it has a rich floral aroma.

This dry white wine pairs wonderfully with roast chicken, pork, veal, spicy flavors, and Asian cuisine. Plus, it can be a good pair for different hard and soft cheeses.

 

13. Chenin Blanc

One of the most all-around white wines in the market, Chenin Blanc is available in dry and sparkling varieties. Because of its adaptability, Chenin Blanc has broad flavor profiles depending on its type.

Dry Chenin Blanc executes the flavor of ginger and chamomile. On the other hand, sweet Chenin Blanc showcases almond, orange, mango, and persimmon notes. And sparkling Chenin Blanc has yellow apple and plum.

Since this white wine has a naturally sweet flavor and acidity, it will pair well with sweet and sour meals.

 

14. Marsanne

Known for its prominent role in the whites of Hermitage, Marsanne is a white wine variety originating from Rhone Valley. Over the years, people recognized Marsanne as a food-friendly white wine. Usually, it would be the best combination of all types of shellfish and seafood.

For the most part, you will love to have this white wine with mussels, clams, shrimp, lobster, and crab. But of course, Marsanne would also work beautifully with pork, chicken, and veal dishes.

 

15. Fiano

Fiano is famous in Southern Italy, especially in Campania, and is recognized as a high-quality, top-grade white wine. The best description for this white wine is that it is nutty and textured. Its flavors range from tropical and spice fruits like pineapple to honey and floral notes.

Because of its slight spice, Fiano would be awesome to pair with salmon pasta dishes. On top of that, due to its crisp acidity, it would be best to serve it with salmon, having a richer texture than other fish.

 

16. Semillon

The prominent flavor of Semillon is like lemonade with mild hints of green papaya and apple juice. And since this white wine is made of lanolin, Semillon has a rich, unusual flavor.

We would say Semillon would go well with seafood, particularly shellfish, for food pairing. But of course, you can wrap pork and veal dishes with Semillon. Pairing Semillon with meat will be an excellent choice since it would bring up the spice.

While Semillon initially came from France, this white wine is growing in popularity in Chile, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.

 

17. Cortese

Cortese is a white wine mostly tied with crisp, lime-scented wines of Gavi.  At most, this white wine is best known for its acidic taste, and it remains fresh even harvested in warmer climates.

What’s excellent about Cortese is that it also executes peach or apple flavor blending with honeydew. This white wine has a light, herbal aroma giving it a character apart from other white wines. Cortese will perfectly blend with seafood with cheeses and citrus sauces.

 

18. Trebbiano

From Italy, Trebbiano is a popular type of Italian white wine having an acidic finish with a medium body and subtle taste. This dry wine has a light aroma similar to flowers, apples, pears, acacia, and honey.

Because of its fruity and flowery notes, Trebbiano is a perfect match for white pizza, hard cheeses, and seafood. On top of that, this dry white wine greatly complements chicken dishes. And it balances out the intense flavors of pesto pasta.

 

19. Airén

Here’s another famous white wine initially crafted from Central, Western, and Southern parts of Spain. Airen is a dry white wine having a unique hue and light-yellow tint. This white wine smells like ripe fruit such as pineapple, banana, and grapefruit.

Wine lovers often describe this wine as unique and sweet on the tongue. Airen has a gentle taste with a bit of acidity. This white wine is an ultimate go-to for seafood dishes.

 

20. Gruner Veltliner

Gruner Veltliner is an Austrian, dry white wine having citrus notes, including lime, lemon, and grapefruit. Because of its intense lime and green pepper taste, people consider Gruner Veltliner an excellent alternative to Sauvignon Blanc.

The best dish combination for this white wine would be Asian dishes such as Thai or Vietnamese food. Also, it would be a lovely pair with seafood dishes like salmon.

Are you looking for a new white wine to try? We highly recommend Gruner Veltliner for being a food-friendly wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is white wine called white?

Wine’s color depends not on the pulp but the grape’s skin. In crafting white wine, the grape’s skins are eliminated before fermentation. As a result, the clear juice produces a glass of fine white wine.

What is the most popular white wine?

It is believed that Chardonnay is the most popular white wine worldwide.

What is the difference between white wine and red wine?

White wine is made using white grapes. Usually, the winemaker separates the skin from the juice before fermentation. On the other hand, red wine is built out of black or red grapes. The skin is retained during the fermentation process.

Do you want to learn more about white wines? Watch and enjoy this video.

 

Final Thoughts

And now we’re done with the 20 Popular Types of White Wines. As you can see, all of the white wines we’ve listed have a rich flavor profile that would go well with different dishes.

Do you have a favorite white wine? What are your thoughts about our list? We would love to hear your comments.

selection by countries and manufacturers

With the onset of spring, our body requires a reboot. Dense high-calorie dishes are being replaced by light vegetable and fruit salads, summer soups, seafood, and delicate cheeses. And now the hand involuntarily reaches for a glass of dry white wine – light, refreshing, with pleasant acidity.

We have prepared for you a selection of 10 dry white wines – young and aged, aromatic and neutral, with a bright, simple taste and complex classic organoleptics. Enjoy!

Light white wines are produced in the northern regions, fuller and more aromatic – in the south

Pino Grigio Torresella

The Torresella brand is a bright representative of Old World wines with a complex and elegant taste. The Veneto region, where the Italian Pino Grigio is produced, has a mild climate and salty soils, which give the drinks a recognizable astringency and mineral notes.

Pino Grigio is a harmonious and well-balanced wine with a natural fruit flavor and medium high acidity. The aroma contains floral and fruity accents of pear, lime, white nectarine, green apple, acacia flowers.

Bosio Gavi

Azienda Agricola Bosio, a producer with half a century of history, continues the line of white Italian wines. The special taste of Bosio products is given by the raw material – grapes grown in the famous wine-growing area of ​​Franciacorta, located on the hills of Lombardy.

The straw color of Bosio Gavi creates a spring mood. The bright palette is echoed by a delicate floral bouquet with peach and apricot in the aftertaste loop, pleasant creamy texture, moderate acidity.

Pratello Lugana

In April’s top ten dry white wines, we included the products of the famous Italian brand Pratello, whose products are famous not only for their excellent quality, but also for their environmental friendliness. Here you can find the best wines of this producer.

Dry Pratello Lugana is a golden color drink with very fresh, juicy notes that melt on the tongue, a mix of citrus and white fruits with an amazing aroma and great acidity.

Dry white wine – a good accompaniment to an Italian-style dinner

Pavillon Blanc Du Chateau Margaux Bordeaux AOC

From white French wines, we have selected the exclusive Pavillon Blanc Du Chateau Margaux. Its manufacturer is part of the famous corporation Chateau-en-Bordeaux, which in itself is a guarantee of high quality products. All the company’s wines collected in the Aromatny Mir collection bear the AOC mark – evidence that the drink is bottled in the area where the grapes are grown.

Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux enchants from the first sip with creamy tones and a mix of tropical fruits in the bouquet. The aroma of the drink harmoniously intertwines fruit and nut notes, vanilla and smoky accents.

Javier Sanz Collecion V Malcorta

Javier Sanz Viticultor represents Spain’s premier wine region, Rueda, with famous white grape varieties, including rare ones, and organic cultivation technology. From such a unique variety of Verdejo Malcorta, a magnificent wine Javier Sanz Collecion V Malcorta is made, selected for the top 10.

This is a harmonious drink with high acidity and spicy notes. Citrus nuances can be traced in the fresh taste, and tones of white flowers and meadow herbs predominate in the aroma.

Our catalog also includes other wines from this producer.

Arabarte Blanco

The Arabarte brand (“Arabarte”) belongs to a company located in the region of the same name in Spain. It is in the southern valleys that the best grape varieties Tempranillo and Viura are grown. The latter produces excellent white wines.

Arabarte Blanco will appeal to lovers of light young wine. Its taste can be described as sweet and sour, which is rare for this group of drinks. The bouquet has notes of apple and pineapple. The aroma is refined, floral, with hints of exotic fruits.

Light young wine is great for a picnic

Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc Reserva

Casillero del Diablo is a world famous Chilean brand founded in 1963. Owned by Concha y Toro. The product line of this manufacturer includes dry white and red wines, which can be purchased here.

A glass of clear pale yellow Sauvignon Blanc Reserva will give you an intense sensation. It has an intense refreshing taste of lemon, grapefruit, melon and green apple. The wine is very light and aromatic.

Coonunga Hill Chardonay

Coonunga Hill is a South Australian fashion brand. The wines of this manufacturer have a memorable taste – bright, rich, clean.

Coonunga Hill Chardonay wine is characterized by fruity style, dense buttery texture, creamy tones. The bouquet shows notes of peach, white fruits, meadow and spicy herbs. The taste is fresh and balanced. Acidity is moderate.

Loureiro

The Portuguese brand Quinta da Lixa is known to connoisseurs of wine production as a producer of high quality young green wines.

Loureiro 2016 is a green wine made from the same grape variety. From the first seconds, the drink fascinates with a bouquet of orange and white acacia. The first impression of the taste is cool freshness, excellent acidity, a slight effervescence is felt on the tongue.

Tsinandali Iberiuli Shumi

Top 10 would be incomplete without Georgian wines loved by many. We recommend tasting the products of Shumi, one of the leaders in Georgian winemaking. This company owns the best vineyards in Tsinandali, uses European technologies and revives Qvevri wine production.

White dry Tsinandali Iberiuli Shumi is fermented in oak vats. The result is a drink with an oily structure and a refined, lively taste with pleasant acidity and a long aftertaste. The bouquet is woven from citrus and floral aromas, and subtle tobacco notes are felt in it.

White dry vintage wines are the real pride of Georgia

When compiling the top 10, we perfectly understood that this was a drop in the ocean of dry white wines. But our material will help beginner connoisseurs of wine products to orient themselves in their extensive range, get acquainted with new brands, and expand knowledge about wine-growing regions.

Always Yours, “Fragrant World”

How to choose a good white wine

Due to the abundance on the windows of wine shops, it is not easy to choose a good white wine, especially for special occasions. After all, a drink of inadequate quality will not only not cheer you up, but can also be harmful to health.

The main differences from red and rose wine

Everyone has preferences: what type of drink should be, color and degree of sweetness, wine producing country, brand.

Drinks are conditionally divided into three types:

  • white;
  • pink;
  • red.

Which color is typical for the first? Pale golden to brown. For the production of the drink, the grapes are peeled, only the tender pulp of the berries is used, from which the juice is obtained.

The color range of red is extensive, from the most delicate pink shade to the purple-brown color of the skin of a ripe pomegranate. The production uses red grape varieties (the most common are Sauvignon and Cabernet). Such drinks have a thick, pronounced taste. They are considered the most beneficial for health, because they contain a large amount of antioxidants, help fight aging, manifestations of atherosclerosis, and increase appetite.

The color of pink stamps is from light pink to deep red. In production, black grape varieties or a mixture of varieties are used. The taste is closer to white.

There is a misconception that red wine is the healthiest. But it’s not. A good drink, regardless of its color, protects the heart, cleanses the blood, counteracts the development of atherosclerosis and helps to lose weight by speeding up the metabolic processes.

Many mistakenly believe that the quality of any wine improves with age. For each type of drink there is a certain shelf life. Which? For example, red Beaujolais from France is drunk only when young, Muscat needs aging for 2-3 years – during this time it acquires new shades, a special, luxurious taste.

Characteristics and types

Many poets wrote about the taste of wine, including Omar Khayyam. The healing properties of this drink are confirmed by the luminaries of medicine.

What types of wine exist:

  • dry (or table) – contain 0.2% sugar, strength 10-12o;
  • semi-dry – sugar content 5%, strength 12-15o;
  • semi-sweet – 7% sugar, ABV 15o;
  • sweet (dessert) containing 10% sugar, strength 9O.

Dry wine is a good alcoholic drink. Differs in easy, gentle taste and magnificent aroma of the grade of grapes used in production. The color varies from golden green to pale straw. What brands do Russians choose? Of all the variety offered, preference is given to Chardonnay, Aligote, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc.

Muscat – dessert wine. It is made from slightly dried muscat grapes, which have an exquisite aroma and great taste. This is one of the oldest drinks, its refined smell and taste delighted the ancient Greeks and Romans. A rather high sugar content allows these wines to be stored for a long time without losing their inherent qualities, a special, slightly tart aroma and flavor.

The aroma of muscats is bright and memorable, it has notes of acacia, rose oil, almonds, cloves, which are revealed to the maximum during long exposure. The taste is sweet, slightly velvety and even slightly oily.

What can Muscat be like? They are:

  • light;
  • liqueur;
  • dessert;
  • fixed;
  • sparkling.

There are also dry varieties.

Table (or dry) wine is fermented grape juice without additives. The color varies from golden straw to slightly yellowish.

Semi-dry varieties, produced in all wine regions, are usually consumed young and even often diluted with water. Connoisseurs call this process Gespritzter. In Russia, the most popular brands are Aligote, Chardonnay, Riesling, Canti, Sauvignon Blanc, Monastyrskaya Izba.

Semi-sweet grades are not stable and if stored incorrectly, the fermentation process may begin. Popular varieties:

  • Chardonnay;
  • Tokay;
  • Gewürztramminer;
  • Alazani Valley;
  • Tvishi;
  • Chkhaveri.

How to choose white wine in the store yourself

When buying light alcohol, you need to know the main selection criteria:

  • price;
  • manufacturer’s data;
  • grape harvest year;
  • extract;
  • container;
  • plug.

What should be the container? It is best to choose a drink bottled in glass bottles. This is an ideal storage container that preserves the taste and aroma of the contents. A drink poured into cans or cardboard boxes is best used for preparing various dishes.

Ideal if the cork is natural, but good plastic is practically no worse. It does not let air through, i.e. foreign odors will not penetrate inside.

The cost of quality drinks cannot be low, because the production of wine is a costly process, and a self-respecting producer will not sell goods at a loss. Therefore, expect to pay at least 7 euros for a bottle.

Reliable manufacturers use a maximum of three colors in label design.

Sediment at the bottom of the bottle indicates improper storage.

Rating of white wines (countries)

The general viticulture zone coincides with the subtropical zone. In the tropical zone and in countries with a temperate climate, viticulture is less developed.

Winemaking originated in the Mediterranean, where the world’s leading producers – Italy, France, Spain – are still located. They are followed by Germany, Portugal, Greece, Russia, Georgia, Abkhazia. Despite the favorable climate for grapes that prevails in many countries of the Islamic world, the production and consumption of wine in them is prohibited by Sharia.

France

Until recently, the country was a leader in the world wine production, but now France is in a crisis, one of the reasons for which are the sanctions applied to Russia. Winemakers have no incentive to create new varieties due to the loss of a large segment of the sales market. This country is famous for muscats:

  • Muscat de Beaumes de Venise;
  • Muscat de Frontignan.

They are distinguished by their expressive taste, fruity bouquet.

Italy

Not so long ago, in 2008, the state became one of the leading manufacturers. And it happened thanks to a wide selection, excellent quality and loyal pricing policy. What are the most popular Italian wines? These are:

  • light sparkling Asti;
  • semi-sweet Muscat Moscato d’Asti;
  • Moscato;
  • Passito di Pantelleria.

Spain

Spain closes the top three. The area of ​​land occupied by vineyards is the largest in Europe. The extremely fragrant Spanish Moscatel is popular in many countries around the world.

Latin America

Wine from Latin American countries, in particular from Argentina, is in great demand in the world. Although the climatic conditions of the region are not the most favorable for the cultivation of the vine, and all vineyards are located in the foothills of the Andes, the supply of this low-alcohol drink to the world market is quite large.

Good wines began to be made in Chile at the end of the last century, although the history of viticulture in the region began in the ΧVI century, when the country was captured by the Spanish conquistadors. It was they who began to grow grapes of the Vitis vinifera variety here. The mass migration of the French to the American continent led to the spread of wine culture. Now Chile is in fifth place among the world’s exporters. Common grape varieties are Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.

Africa

South Africa ranks 8th in world production. Winemaking has been practiced here since the 17th century, with the arrival of the first settlers from Holland. The main specialization is the cultivation of light grape varieties (55%). The best drinks are produced in the southwest of the country, in the Western Cape.

Russia

Winemaking in Russia is developing rapidly. The main regions are the Krasnodar Territory and the Crimean Peninsula, the Stavropol Territory, the Rostov Region, the Republic of Dagestan. Many varieties of grapes are grown in the Kuban, which is why they produce various types of drinks. Rostov winegrowers specialize in European varieties Aligote, Cabernet Sauvignon and local varieties: Krasnostop Zolotovsky, Tsimlyansky, Sibirkovy. In the Stavropol region, the cultivation of vines for wines is also mainly practiced: Silvaner Aligote, Sauvignon, Rkatsiteli.

Muscat, Aligote, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, Roussanne are considered the best Russian brands.