
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.
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- Pinot Blanc54
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- Albarino38
- Semillon29
- Garganega17
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Sine Qua Non Kolibri 2008Other White Blends from California
- RP
- JS
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Marcassin Marcassin Vineyard Chardonnay 2008Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California
- RP
- WS
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Raats Chenin Blanc 2008Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Marcassin Three Sisters Vineyard Chardonnay 2008Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California
- RP
- WS
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Montes Leyda Sauvignon Blanc 2008Sauvignon Blanc from Leyda Valley, San Antonio Valley (Chile), Chile
- WS
- W&S
- RP
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Aubert Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay 2008Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California
- WS
- RP
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Adega Eidos Eidos de Padrinan Albarino 2008Albarino from Rias Baixas, Spain
- W&S
- RP
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Bodegas Godeval Vina Godeval Blanco 2008Other White Wine from Spain
- RP
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Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Montrachet 2008Chardonnay from Burgundy, France
- BH
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Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc 2008Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand
- WS
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MAN Family Wines Chenin Blanc 2008Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Toad Hollow Francine's Selection Unoaked Chardonnay 2008Chardonnay from North Coast, California
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Lewis Cellars Reserve Chardonnay 2008Chardonnay from Napa Valley, California
- WS
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Cakebread Chardonnay 2008Chardonnay from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Torresella Pinot Grigio 2008Pinot Gris/Grigio from Veneto, Italy
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Saint Clair Vicar's Choice Sauvignon Blanc 2008Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand
- W&S
- WS
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Joseph Carr Reserve Chardonnay 2008Chardonnay from Sonoma County, California
- WE
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MandraRossa Fiano 2008Fiano from Sicily, Italy
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Pahlmeyer Jayson Chardonnay 2008Chardonnay from North Coast, California
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Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2008Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand
- WE
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Raymond R Collection Chardonnay 2008Chardonnay from Central Coast, California
- WE
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Ste. Chapelle Winemakers Riesling 2008Riesling from Idaho, Other U.S.
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Kumeu River Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay 2008Chardonnay from New Zealand
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Dancing Bull Chardonnay 2008Chardonnay from California
- WS
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Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2008Rhone White Blends from Central Coast, California
- RP