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Types of White Wine Part II:
The Smells and Tastes
Just like in red wines, the different types of white wine are based on different grapes. These grapes have different characteristics and can easily be recognized by their flavors.
(Still want to work on your sense of smell, check out my Nose of a Wine page.)
Sauvignon Blanc (also known as Fume Blanc, especially in California)-typically has flavors of grass, green apples, citrus and tropical fruits (especially from New Zealand) along with honey.
Riesling-typically has smells of diesel fuel. Flavors of stone fruits like apple and peach, blackcurrant and florals of rose and violet. This grape also has a tendency to absorb its environment leading to strong finishing flavors of flint and steel. It makes wine that ages very well. Real Rieslings are Johannisberg and White Rieslings. Other rieslings will be a poor representation of this wine.
Pinot Grigio (also called Pinot Gris)-typically is flavored of citrus fruits, peach and pear. It is a light wine that barely touches your tongue as it finishes.
Chardonnay-typically has notes of citrus, apples, pears and apricots are also common. In the US, this type of white wine has earned a reputation for being oaky, too oaky. Winemakers have backed off and are creating better rounded bouquets that are softer to the palate. Many people used to say, anything but a Chardonnay. This wine has a tendency to be buttery, instead of its oaky reputation, as it ages and it ages well. It is the primary grape grown in the Champagne region and used for champagne.
Verdejo-This is an herby and citrusy wine. It is used throughout the Rueda region and Rueda must be comprised of at least 50% of this grape in order to be called a Rueda.
Pinot Blanc-typically tastes of apple and butter but may taste of apricot, pear and melon to add a few flavors.
Chenin Blanc-used in dessert wines as well, this grape tastes of honey, melon and honeydew. If that doesn't leave you drooling maybe a little vanilla and grass will. It actually sounds better than it is many times. This is a vine easily grown, but a grape that is not easily grown well. The best of this type of white wine is from the Vouvray region in France. Most people believe any Chenin Blanc from outside this region is not worth the time. Also, once you have tried a Vouvray, you are likely to be disappointed by other Chenins.
Viognier-this is another full bodied white that is good for Chardonnay drinkers. It typically has flavors of tropical fruits, like mango and pineapple and florals like orange blossom.
Viura (also known as Macabeo)-this grape is commonly blended with Verdejo and made into sparkling wines too. It tastes of citrus, green apples, pears, peach nectar and oak. With Verdejo it creates a refreshing wine, with a great bouquet.
Grenache Blanc-typically creates citrus, honey, almond and stone fruit flavors, such as apricot and peach.
With all of these types of white wine for beginners in your wine toolbox, you will understand most types of white wine that come your way.
Just keep in mind the basic rules. A good place to start with whites are citrus fruits (ie. orange, lemon, lime), tropical fruits (ie. pineapple, lychee, mango) and stone fruits (ie. apricot, peach and apple). Good luck!!! And let me know about any new flavors you encounter.
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