Riesling, Pinot Grid, Chardonnay?Which one is your favourite?The names all sound good, but it can be quite confusing when you go to the wine merchants and do not actually know what any of the names are or what the difference is.This article will cover the 4 white wines which are the most popular at the minute.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the best selling white wine in Europe and the USA as it is very popular with casual wine drinkers or those who are just looking to start drinking wine.One of the factors that makes Chardonnay so popular is the price.As the grapes used to make the white wine are a low maintenance vine which therefore reduces the cost of manufacturing a good quality wine, which then reduces the price in the wine merchants for the buyer, with a good bottle costing under 7.Chardonnay is available in a whole variety of tones, from oak through to a citrus taste.
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc is produced in small quanitities in Germany, Hungary and Italy with most being produced in France is a dry - medium dry white wine.A light wine with flavours of citrus, pear, apricot and melon.Due to the light flavours in Pinot Blanc it is ideal for drinking with a light meat or mild cheese dish.
Pinot Grigio
This crisp white wine is a very light wine which is produced in Veneto and Friuli in north east Italy and it is by far the most popular white wine produced within Italy.The Pinot Grigio should be consumed early rather than left to age and has a silky smooth taste, with the flavour mainly producing hints of melon or pear.This white wine is quite acidic and would normally be paired with seafood, pasta or cheese.
Riesling
One of the most popular white wines from Germany, this wine is produced within the Mosel and Rhein river valleys.Only two types of wine, Johannisbery and White Riesling are actually genuine as these are the only two that have been produced with the Riesling grape.Covering every flavour from sweet all the way to dry wines, there is a wide choice available.With flavours of peach, apple and pear this is a very fruity white wine.Perfect for drinking with most meals from pork and poultry through to spicy asian foods.
Sauvignon Blanc
Available from either New Zealand or France, these two countries produce a Sauvignon Blanc with totally different tastes.A light crisp white wine which is perfect when paired with salads or dishes with lots of vegetables in.