
White Wine
Learn about white wine — the range of styles, how it’s made and more ...
What are the types and styles of white wine?
From lean and crisp to oaky and buttery, white wine comes in an array of styles and is produced in almost every wine region of the world. Although only about 25 pale-skinned grapes make the majority of the white wine produced, hundreds of native varieties are important not only to local culture, but to the diversity of the global wine world. White wine styles range from a simple and refreshing aperitif to a robust accompaniment to a hearty meal and some of the best can age for decades.
How is white wine made?
To preserve freshness, aromatics and primary fruit flavors, white wines are often fermented at cooler temperatures than reds. Unlike red winemaking, the colorless juice is not typically left in contact with the grape skins during the fermentation process. The winemaker has the choice to encourage or prevent malolactic fermentation, which turns the tart acidity of grape juice into the softer, creamier flavors of wine. Another important decision is whether and how to use oak—the barrels’ age, provenance and time holding the wine all help to determine the final style, in terms of both flavor and texture.
What gives white wine its color?
White wines can vary in color from nearly clear lemon-green to medium gold to pale orange or almost light brown, depending on grape variety, winemaking methods and age.
How do you serve white wine?
Ideally for storing white wine in any long-term sense, it should be at cellar temperature, about 55F. For serving, cool white wine down to about 45F to 55F. (Most refrigerators are colder than this.) As for drinking white wines, the best white wine glasses have a stem and a narrow bowl large enough to allow swirling without spilling.
How long does white wine last?
Opened, a bottle of white wine will stay fresh in the refrigerator for a couple of days to a week, maybe longer. Unopened, white wines stay good for one year to, in some cases, several decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning to strategically store white wine, seek the advice of a wine professional.
- White Wine1553
- Chardonnay707
- Sauvignon Blanc233
- Riesling143
- Other White Blends104
- Pinot Gris/Grigio95
- Viognier37
- Gewurztraminer35
- Other White Wine30
- Chenin Blanc26
- Bordeaux White Blends23
- Muscat22
- Rhône White Blends21
- Pinot Blanc18
- Albarino8
- Semillon8
- Garganega6
- Arneis4
- Friulano3
- Greco3
- Malvasia3
- Roussanne3
- Vermentino3
- Vernaccia3
- Cortese2
- Gruner Veltliner2
- Marsanne2
- Fiano2
- Falanghina1
- Melon de Bourgogne1
- Muller Thurgau1
- Picpoul1
- Trebbiano1
- Verdicchio1
- Moschofilero1
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Domaine Rene Renou Bonnezeaux Cuvee Zenith 2002Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
- WS
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Donnhoff Oberhauser Bruke Riesling Spatlese 2002Riesling from Nahe, Germany
- RP
- WS
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Marcassin Marcassin Vineyard Chardonnay 2002Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California
- RP
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J.J. Prum Riesling Kabinett 2002Riesling from Mosel, Germany
- WS
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Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume 2002Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
- WS
- W&S
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2002Chardonnay from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Cuvaison Chardonnay 2002Chardonnay from Carneros, California
- WE
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Pieropan Soave Classico Superiore 2002Garganega from Soave, Veneto, Italy
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Goldwater Dog Point Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2002Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand
- WS
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Matanzas Creek Sonoma County Chardonnay 2002Chardonnay from Sonoma County, California
- RP
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Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc 2002Sauvignon Blanc from South Australia, Australia
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Jean-Luc Colombo Cotes du Rhone Les Abeilles Blanc 2002Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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J.J. Christoffel Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese 2002Riesling from Mosel, Germany
- RP
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Fortant Chardonnay (OU Kosher) 2002Chardonnay from Pays d’Oc, South of France, France
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Marques de Riscal Blanco Rueda 2002Other White Wine from Spain
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Bodegas Montecillo Blanco 2002Other White Blends from Rioja, Spain
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Pindar Sunflower Special Reserve Chardonnay 2002Chardonnay from New York, Other U.S.
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Marchesi di Gresy Moscato d'Asti La Serra 2002Muscat from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
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Domaine Famille Ligneres Las Vals Blanc 2002Rhone White Blends from Languedoc, South of France, France
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Yalumba Y Series Chardonnay 2002Chardonnay from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WS
- RP
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Bonny Doon Ca' del Solo Big House White 2002Other White Blends from Central Coast, California
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Hollywood and Vine Cellars 2480 Chardonnay 2002Chardonnay from Napa Valley, California
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Domaine Cailbourdin Pouilly-Fume Les Cris 2002Sauvignon Blanc from Loire, France
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Peter Lehmann Semillon 2002Semillon from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WE
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Voss Vineyards VV2 Sauvignon Blanc 2002Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley, California