Basic Guide to White Wine. - Lassou

Contrary to what the name might suggest, white wine is made of all kinds of grapes: white, red, and black. The red pigments are extracted from the fruits so just a “clear” juice is left, which is then fermented. The most widespread grape varieties are Chardonnay, Pinot Gris/ Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc.

White wine is generally lighter, and crisper in flavour than red, meaning that it’s enjoyed in warm weather, with lighter style foods.

Chardonnay grapes grow all around the globe, and for that reason, Chardonnay wines from different countries have various features. Chardonnay that grows in cool climates, such as France and New Zealand, has medium to high acidity, medium body and alcohol, and aromas of apple, pear, citrus. These wines are more likely to have minerally aromas.

Chardonnay grapes from warmer climates, like Australia, usually have lower acidity, fuller body and higher alcohol. They are also having notes of tropical fruit.

Chardonnay that is oak-aged usually goes well with buttery dishes and sauces with fuller-bodied foods. The more fruity Chardonnay’s are great with fish and shellfish, roasted chicken, salads, and vegetables.

Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio. This grape of many names is called Pinot Gris when grown in France, and Pinot Grigio when grown in Italy. When it is planted in other places such as California and Australia the name depends just on the winemaker.

Pinot Gris from France is usually fuller in body, lower in acidity, it has a more intense colour and it's higher in alcohol. It often has the flavour of ripe fruit, melon.

When grown in Australia and California the grape can have a lemon, apple, pear, vanilla, almond, and even flower flavours.

Pinot Grigio, as it is called in Italy, usually has a lighter body and higher acidity. It has a lighter colour and lower levels of alcohol. You will often aromas of apple, pear, and citrus and sometimes aromas of stone fruits such as peach.

We think Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio goes well with grilled fish, pasta with seafood, and roasted chicken.

Sauvignon Blanc wines are probably the most famous and popular of the white style of wine, usually pale yellow to greenish in colour, light to medium in body, they have high acidity and have a crispy and refreshing taste. They can contain a variety of aromas from cut grass and herbs to gooseberry, grapefruit, lemon and lime, and sometimes honey.

Sauvignon Blanc usually pairs well with goat cheese, green vegetables (particularly artichokes and asparagus), salads, fish and shellfish.

As with all our wines, no matter the style, the best pairing advice that we can offer is to drink your favourite styles of wine with your favourite foods. 

Explore incredible brands of white wine at Lassou.com and order the best independent wines online. Choose exclusive wines and discover new tasting notes of the drink of gods.

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