White Wines Types
Shopping for white wine can be a daunting task, mainly because there are about 40 different varieties. But right off the bat, what are the most prolific white varietals out there?
Varietals are made primarily from a single grape variety, typically displayed on the wine label, such as Chardonnay, Viognier, Chablis, and Trebbiano. Within these varietals, you’ll find a broad spectrum of sweetness levels, which will help you understand what to expect in terms of the palate from this list of white wines for beginners.
Let’s look at the sweetness levels and some examples to understand the different flavor profiles. In no time, you’ll be an oenophile with a knack for sourcing great bottles.
As you become more acquainted with the flavors and styles out there, you’ll find yourself wanting to explore taste profiles you would’ve never dreamed of trying out, but that is the beauty of wine and how you learn to enjoy it. At best, the easiest way to dip your toes into the world of wine is by starting with an elegant glass of a white varietal.
Bold & Dry
These creations are brimming with their intense flavor through creamy-vanilla notes brought about with oak aging.
- Chardonnay
- Voignier
- Trebbiano
Light & Dry
You can expect something light-bodied and medium-dry with a fresh, clean taste to it from this category.
- Pinot Grigio
- Chablis
- Chenin Blanc
Herbaceous
The three types featured in this list are light-bodied, finished off with herbal or “green” aromas like bell pepper or jalapeño, and pair well with salads and herb-infused dishes.
- Grüner Veltliner
- Sauvignon
- Vinho Verde
Light & Sweet
Often with just a touch of residual sugar (from the grapes), these bottles are slightly sweet and very aromatic.
- Riesling
- Moscato
- Moschofilero
Bold & Sweet
These three vino styles are perfect for a pairing with dessert and sometimes chocolate and tend to be the best sweet white wines for beginners.
- Ice Wine
- Tokaji
- Malvasia
Easiest White Wine To Start With
Perhaps you think that we might’ve delved in too deep. Let’s narrow it down to varietals that you may find to be the best options for beginner white wines. At times, you may come across a bottle that offers too much complexity for someone who may need something with a simplistic flavor profile.
The single grape sorts below will assist you in your journey to become a connoisseur in no time and highlight the dishes that pair well with your newfound wine options.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay saw a rise in popularity back in the early 90s and has since then been a firm favorite with those who enjoy this bold and dry oak-aged varietal.
Chardonnay is often a lot more velvety and smooth than other dry white options in their collective category, making it an easy-drinking wine. Opt for a sparkling version of this varietal if you’re feeling adventurous.
Your best bet for a magical food pairing would be poultry or fish. Think a buttery, zesty grilled salmon with asparagus and garlic roasted baby potatoes.
Prosecco
Prosecco is Italy’s answer to Champagne. This fizzy beauty is often considered to be the value sparkler on the market. However, you should be ready for a rush of fruity and floral aromas, and if you’re opting for a finer bottle, you may pick up on aromas of hazelnut, vanilla, and banana cream. Prosecco, in many cases, is seen as one of the best sweet white wines for beginners.
With that in mind, this grape variety leans more toward the sweeter end of the spectrum and makes it a perfect match for cured meats and fruity appetizers, but if you’re looking to blow your mind, order (or create) a hearty serving of Pad Thai.
Pinot Grigio
The Pinot Grigio grapes result in beautifully crisp and dry wines with a slight acidic bite and are usually produced in Italy and Germany. On American soil, Oregon Pinot Grigio displays aromatic and fruity flavors, which tend to work well with Chinese dishes.
While connoisseurs may label Pinot Grigio as a ‘basic’ varietal, it remains a refreshing option as an excellent white wine for beginners when served cold on a hot summer’s day.
The best way to enjoy a glass (or bottle) of Pinot Grigio would be to avoid budget labels produced and sold at a mass-market scale.
Moscato
Moscato is frequently quite sweet and fruity with a musky, grapefruit aroma. The flavor is easily distinguishable to anyone who has tasted a Muscat table grape. Expect lively, sweet flavors of peach and orange blossom, which can be enjoyed as a sparkling, still, or dessert wine.
Moscato handles spicy foods with finesse because of its low alcohol levels and high sweetness factors. Try Asian cuisine made with bundles of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and chili peppers for a truly exceptional food pairing experience.
Riesling
While Rieslings are much lighter than Chardonnays, the fruity aromas of apples express themselves quite differently in the sense that it’s far more fresh – and if this happens to be the case, this is a varietal that ages better in taste.
Drier versions of Riesling pairs exceptionally well with fish, poultry, and pork dishes. The crisp profile of this wine will blend nicely with tuna or salmon, while the light smokiness of eel will elevate the aromas of a Riesling beautifully.
Sauvignon Blanc
A great wine style to enjoy as a beginner is the Sauvignon Blanc with an easy herbal character. It displays flavors ranging from green fruits like apples, pears, and gooseberries, along with more tropical varieties such as melon or mango.
There are unoaked Sauvignon Blancs highlighted with a smokey finish, characterized by a bright aroma and a lovely acidic finish thanks to the colder climates the grapes were grown in.
Serve your Sauvignon Blanc chilled or at room temperature with fresh seafood dishes, poultry, and crunchy green salads.
Best White Wine Club
Now that you’re a bit more well-versed in the language and familiar with some of the best tasting white wines for beginners expand your knowledge and tasting experiences by relying on the expert care and curation of a club subscription.
As a beginner, identifying the best wine club can often be overwhelming. Still, there are options out there that make signing-up and managing your deliveries easier than uncorking a bottle.
Winc Wine Club expertly hand-picks bottles from across the world with a simple quiz to determine your preferences as one of the best white wine clubs out there. They’ll tailor four spectacular bottles each month and ask you to review what you’ve experienced honestly.
Their ‘no-strings-attached’ wine club membership program makes it easy for you to pause or skip deliveries and to manage your consumption as you wish. What’s more, you may also give friends or family this wine club membership – a perfect way to share some love over the festive season.
Join today for $20 off on your first order!