White Wine - A Quick Definition
All wines are made from some variety or strain of grapes. White wines are made using grapes that tend to be very, light in
colour, in contrast to the dark varieties used for making red wines. Another crucial difference is that the skins of the grapes are removed prior to the fermentation process starting, whereas red wines leave the skins in for much longer. By removing the skins, tannins are also removed which prevents white wines from being stored for extended periods. It also means that age does not tend t
o have the same effect in terms of improving the taste as it does with red wines. However, this does not prevent people from enjoying some very good white wines.
White wines are produced in many of the same regions where red wines are produced. Millions of people around the world tend to prefer white wines over reds for numerous reasons relating to personal choice. Here is a small list of some of the more popular white wine varieties that are widely available throughout the world.
Chardonnay - This style of wine is produced everywhere wine is produced. So popular is it as a grape variety that it is the second most widely- planted grape variety in the world, more >so than even the Cabernet Sauvignon version. It is thought to have originated in Eastern France in the Burgundy wine-growing region. Today it is grown in areas between England and New Zealand, and all areas in between. It is an extremely popular wine and is a very important component of numerous types of sparkling wines, including Champagne. The grape itself produces a wine that is very neutral in taste, but the true character of the wine comes from the oak of the barrel it is stored in, but can also be infused with various fruit flavours.
Riesling - This is a very popular type of grape, particularly grown in colder regions and locations. Its origins are from the Rhine region of Germany and can be traced back to the 15th century. It is the most popular grape variety grown there, but is also popular in the Alsace region of France. Numerous other countries that have cooler regions also will produce this type of wine. The wine produced from Riesling grapes tend to be quite pure, and because of this, they are rarely required to be stored in oak barrels (unlike other varieties)
Sauvignon Blanc - This is one of the more popular varieties of white wine, along with Chardonnay and Riesling. Research shows that it originated in the Bordeaux region of France. This variety of wine can vary widely in taste depending on the climate it is grown in, but generally produces a wine that is crisp, dry and refreshing. Like many other white wine grapes, it does well in cooler regions. Typical of white wines, it does not require any aging and can be consumed fairly young.
Like red wines, there are many different varieties of white wines produced around the world, with new ones being produced each year. Here at , our aim is to keep you up-to-date with all the latest news and information regarding white wines, including helpful articles and the latest reviews. Below you'll find links to the latest articles posted on our site. Why not grab a glass of a nice chilled white wine and take some time to explore the site. You never know what you may find!