White Wines Pair Well With Springtime
By Wanda Haynes, Certified Sommelier
White wine is fresh, crisp, thirst-quenching, and perfect for the spring season. There are many white wines on the market, and they are produced all over the world. White wines should be served around 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are a few types of white wine.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay originated in Burgundy, France, and most Americans see chardonnay as a safe choice when unsure of which white wine to choose. Oaked chardonnay is aged in new oak barrels. When chardonnay spends time in oak barrels instead of steel tanks, the oak imparts flavors into the wine that resemble vanilla bean, caramel, and dairy butter. Oaked Chardonnay pairs with roasted pork and mushrooms dishes.
Unoaked chardonnay has spent its entire life in a steel tank and has refreshing tastes of fresh pineapple and star fruit. The acidity is bright, and the color is lighter than an oaked version. This style of chardonnay pairs well with fried foods and rich creamy gravy.
Chardonnay can also be partially oaked; this means the wine was in both oak and a steel tank. The wine is deeper in color and richer than unoaked chardonnay. Pair with herb baked chicken, pan seared turkey burgers, and mild white cheeses.
Garganega
Garganega (gahr-GAH-neg-ah) is a fruity, light, dry white wine from Italy, in the Sova region, with tastes of baked apples, lemon peels, and marjoram on the finish. Often the bottle will read “Sova classico” or “Sova Superiore.” These bottles of wine are better quality. Garganega is affordable and a terrific option when looking for a new white wine to try.
Easily found in retailers and often undervalued by wine lovers. Garganega pairs with deviled eggs, chicken salad, and grilled poultry.
Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner (grew-ner velt-LEE-ner) is a dry white wine grown primarily in Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. The leaves of the grape vine are five-lobed with grapes that ripen in October. In parts of Europe it’s referred to as “groovy” and most people in the wine industry call it gruner.
The flavors in Grüner Veltliner are savory and not fruity like other dry white wines. It offers tastes of lime, lemon, herbs, green veggies, and saline. However, what makes Grüner Veltliner truly unique is its signature acidity that explodes in the mouth. It pairs great with smoked fish, young cheeses, sushi, and a crudité platter.
This amazing wine is also produced into an ice wine. A gruner ice wine has a nutty, orange marmalade taste, with a sultana finish, and is delicious alone or with a tempting dessert.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero (mow-sko-FEEL-err-oh) is a delicious off-dry white wine from Greece and is an incredible value. It is a richly aromatic white wine from the region of Peloponnese, Greece.
Moschofilero has a potpourri nose and tastes of almonds, fresh lemon, honeydew, and grapefruit. For a refreshing white wine with medium acidity, versatility, and Mediterranean vibes, choose a bottle of Moschofilero. It’s delicious with fresh salads, Greek dishes, and herbed feta cheese. This wine can be found in import food stores, specialty shops, and full-service Greek restaurants.
Riesling
Riesling is a white grape varietal which displays a bouquet of flowers, perfume, and white fruit. Also, it can be produced in several styles: dry, off dry, sparkling, and late harvest.
German wine labels can be difficult to understand. However, learning the keywords and a few major growing regions, will help to demystify the labels. Alsace, France uses beautiful cylindrical bottles for their wines, and they’re much drier. Alsace has over 20% of their vineyards dedicated to Riesling. Washington State produces the most Riesling in the United States. Riesling is also produced into a slightly sweet sparkling wine from Germany. Pair Riesling with Indian, Asian, and Thai food.
Wanda Haynes is a Sommelier and wine educator living her best life in Ohio. She loves parties, fine dining, gourmet chocolate, and a great glass of wine.
Wanda’s White Wine Sangria
1 full bottle of dry white wine
1 cup of peach brandy
Sliced apples
Sliced lemons
Sliced oranges
Sliced peaches
Sliced strawberries
Sliced white grapes
Lemon lime soda
Large glass pitcher
This delicious white wine sangria should sit in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving. Rum can be used instead of brandy, and mango is recommended if peaches
aren’t available.
Use a dry white wine and not a sweet wine; the fruit and the brandy will add plenty of sweetness. Frozen or fresh strawberries work and remember to hull fresh berries. Add a splash of the soda when the sangria is in the glass as a sparkling topper. Prosecco is an amazing substitute for the lemon-lime soda.