Understanding White Wine

White wine is made from both white and dark-skinned grapes, with the juice fermented without grape skins, giving it a lighter colour and brighter flavour profile.

Key Characteristics of White Wine

• Flavour Profiles: White wines range from citrusy and floral (Sauvignon Blanc) to buttery and nutty (Chardonnay), offering something for every palate.
• Acidity: High acidity levels provide a refreshing taste and make white wines excellent partners for food.
• Body: Can vary from light (Pinot Grigio) to full-bodied (Viognier), suitable for both casual sipping and more indulgent pairings.

Major White Wine Regions

• France: Burgundy is renowned for its exceptional Chardonnays, while the Loire Valley produces world-class Sauvignon Blanc.
• Italy: Veneto’s Pinot Grigio is a popular choice, known for its crisp and light profile.
• New Zealand: Famous for bold, tropical Sauvignon Blancs from the Marlborough region.

For more on white wine characteristics, see Wine Folly’s detailed guide.

Proper Handling and Storage of White Wine

White wines are highly sensitive to environmental factors, making proper storage essential to preserving their freshness and complexity.

White Wine Storage Conditions

• Temperature: Store white wine at 10°C–12°C to maintain freshness and prevent premature ageing.
• Humidity: Keep humidity at 60%–70% to ensure cork integrity and prevent evaporation.
• Lighting: Protect white wine from natural light to avoid lightstrike—it’s the wine world’s equivalent of leaving ice cream in the sun.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage

• Store ready-to-drink white wines upright in a cool, dark place for short-term use.
• Age-worthy whites, like high-quality Rieslings or Chardonnays, deserve the VIP treatment—horizontal storage in a temperature-controlled wine cellar to preserve their corks and flavours.

For practical storage advice, visit Decanter’s resource on how to store white wine.

Ageing Potential and Best Practices

Most white wines are crafted for immediate enjoyment, but certain varieties can benefit from proper ageing.

White Wine Ageing Potential

• Chardonnay: Premium Chardonnays can age for 5–10 years, developing rich, nutty flavours and a silky texture.
• Riesling: High-acidity Rieslings, particularly from Germany, can age gracefully for up to 20 years, gaining complexity and depth.
• Viognier: Typically enjoyed young, but some full-bodied options can improve with a few years of ageing.

Best Practices for Ageing White Wine

• Keep wine bottles at a stable temperature to avoid flavour degradation.
• Avoid vibrations—your Riesling doesn’t want to feel like it’s on a roller coaster.
• Monitor humidity to prevent cork drying, which could allow air to seep in.

For more on white wine ageing, explore NIA Wine’s insights on white wine ageing.

Risks and How to Mitigate Them

White wines are particularly vulnerable to environmental stressors.

Key Risks to White Wines

• Lightstrike: UV exposure can degrade white wines, causing sulphur-like aromas.
• Heat Damage: High temperatures accelerate chemical reactions, spoiling the wine.
• Oxidation: Improper sealing or frequent temperature changes can lead to flavour loss.

Mitigation Tips

• Store wines in dark spaces or use UV-filtering glass in wine cabinets.
• Keep wine storage areas at stable temperatures year-round.
• Choose a wine fridge with precise temperature and humidity controls for long-term storage.

How to Enjoy White Wine

Serving white wine at the correct temperature and pairing it with the right foods enhances its flavours.

White Wine Serving Temperature

• Light whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are best served at 8°C–10°C.
• Full-bodied whites like Chardonnay should be served slightly warmer, around 12°C.

Glassware for Enjoying White Wine

• Use smaller-bowled wine glasses to concentrate the delicate aromas of white wines.
• For complex whites like Riesling, opt for glasses with a narrower opening to enhance the aromatic experience.

Best Food Pairings for White Wines

• Pair crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc with seafood, salads, or goat cheese.
• Full-bodied whites like Viognier complement creamy pasta dishes or roasted poultry.

Classic White Wine: Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet (Burgundy, France)

Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet is one of the most prestigious Chardonnays in the world, showcasing the exceptional terroir of Burgundy.

Key Features

• Grapes: 100% Chardonnay, grown in limestone-rich soils.
• Flavour Profile: Notes of citrus, white flowers, and hazelnut, with a creamy texture and a long, mineral-driven finish.
• Ageing Potential: Can age beautifully for 10–15 years, gaining complexity with time.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store at 10°C to maintain its freshness and mineral character.
• Serve at 12°C to fully appreciate its nuanced aromas and flavours.

Learn more about Red Wine Storage and Enjoyment