White wine can be dry or sweet. It is usually more refreshing and lighter in taste and style than most red wines which makes it a good choice for warm weather occasions. Only a handful of white wines improve with age. The majority of them are meant to be uncorked and enjoyed at any time. White wine should be stored on its side in a cool, dark environment, away from dampness, vibrations, and strong odors. Serve white wine chilled, but not ice cold.
| Grape | Region | Food Pairings | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chardonnay | Burgundy, France | Hearty Foods: Meat Casseroles, Roast Veal | Eola Hills |
| Chenin Blanc | Loire Valley, France | Sweet Foods: Fruit tarts, Strawberries and Cream | Chappellet |
| Gewurztraminer | Alsace, France | Spicy Foods: Thai, Chinese Cuisine | Chateau Ste. Michelle |
| Pinot Gris | Alsace, France | Cold Meats, Lobster | Stella |
| Pinot Grigio | Fruili, Lombardy | ||
| Riesling | Germany | Spicy Foods: Pacific Rim Cooking | Hogue |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Loire Valley, France | Poultry and Fish | Covey Run |
| Semillon | Australia | Smoked Fish | Aspen Estate |
| Viognier | Northern Rhone, France | Smoked Eel, Smoked Salmon | Cline Cellars |
Champagne and Sparkling Wines
Come quickly, I'm tasting the stars!
- Dom Perignon, at the moment he discovered champagne
Champagne and other sparkling wines are created using the same method - yeast and sugar added to a
bottle that contains a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir. This mixture is then left in the
bottle where it is allowed to ferment.
In order for a sparkling wine to be called Champagne, the wine must be made using grapes found in the
Champagne region of northern France.