White wine is made from green-skinned grapes and the juice is colourless. The skins are removed from the must before it ferments. White wines lack the tannins found in red varieties which is why aroma and acid structure are so important.

Aging

White wine is usually aged in stainless steel barrels. This helps ensure that the fresh aromas are maintained. By aging the wine in oak barrels, it can add aromas like caramel, coconut and vanilla to the wine.

Varietals

White wine is normally made from a single type of grape. Just like red wines, they are labeled according to the variety of the grape. That said, there are also a few varieties that are made by blending more than one type of grape.

Flavours

White wine can vary from sweet to dry. The sweetness or dryness are mostly determined by the stage at which the grapes are harvested. The later they are harvested, the sweeter the grapes are and the sweeter the wine will be.

Aromas

White wines are known for their fruity aromas including nectarine, peach, apple, pear and apricot. They also have floral scents that roll over the senses beautifully. The crisp and refreshing nature of white wine is what makes it so appealing to so many.

Types of white wine

There are four main types of white wine. These include pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, riesling and chardonnay. Pino grigio is a light and refreshing wine and it is of the dryer variety. Depending on the region in which it is made, these wines can be sweet too. Sauvignon blanc is another popular wine around the world and it has a high acidity. The intensity of this wine depends on where the grapes are grown. If you are looking for a particularly aromatic wine, riesling is your number one choice. Light in body and high in acidity, no wonder so many people love these wines! Chardonnay has proven to be the top choice in many homes around the world. The grape is neutral which means that it can take on various characteristics. This makes it the easiest type of wine to introduce to those who are new to the wine-drinking experience.

Not only will these white wine facts help you choose the best bottle for your next meal, but they will also help you select the best wine gifts for loved ones. Take into account the preferences of the recipient whenever sending a quality bottle for their birthday, anniversary or any other special occasion.