White Wine Crush
With the summer temps in the air, it’s the time when we all gravitate towards the crisp white wines to pair with our salads and lighter fare. While Chardonnay is known as the most popular white varietal in the world, it’s worth checking out the many other whites out there that deserve a spotlight! However, I know it can be daunting walking into a wineshop and veering towards a wine you’ve never tasted before. So, I have put together a list of some of my favorite varietals and regions to look for next time you want to try something new!
Grüner Veltliner
Grown mainly in Austria, this white varietal produces wine that is known for it’s white pepper zing, alongside citrus, high acidity and light body.
Try pairing Grüner with lightly spiced foods, like Vietnamese noodle salad or summer rolls.
Chenin Blanc
Another high acid white wine that is made in many styles, from dry to sweet. Among the most revered are the lusciously sweet botrisised wines. It is found mostly in South Africa and the Loire Valley of France. For the dry versions, expect minerality, yellow apples and pears, cantaloupe, and blossoms like honeysuckle.
Perfect with avocado toast, chicken, summer salads, and grilled shrimp.
Picpoul
Also known as the “lip stinger”, Picpoul is a bracing high acid white wine (where it gets its name) that is that refreshing porch pounder. Although it is grown in other areas of France, Picpoul de Pinet in Languedoc is the region that produces the most. Notes of Green Apple, salinity, lemon, and budget friendly!
Perfect with seafood like swordfish and salmon. Also cuts through heavy butter and cream sauces.
Vinho Verde
Actually a region in Portugal known for its light and crisp whites, mostly found at bargain prices. I often see it on happy hour menus. It is typically a blend of Portuguese grape varietals, including Alvarinho. Expect an almost effervescent wine with high acid and light body with zesty citrus, blossom, and green fruit notes.
Try drinking as an aperitif of with light summery dishes like fish tacos!
Sauvignon Blanc
Otherwise known as my porch pounder, Sauvignon Blanc is typically produced in California, New Zealand, and France. Another aromatic wine with high acid, Sauvignon Blanc is so popular that it has seen other winemaking techniques like elevage in neutral oak and concrete as opposed to just stainless steel, which adds a rounder, somewhat heavier version of the varietal.
Try pairing it with summer salads, green veggies or goat cheese.
I hope this “white wine crush” inspires you to try something new next time you are wine shopping! ~ Cheers!