There's something special about enjoying a great bottle of white wine, and better yet, being able to talk about the types of white you enjoy — and why you enjoy them. This is key to truly appreciating what's in your glass.

Although white and red wines are made through the same general fermentation process, there are a few key differences throughout that help maintain white grapes' vibrant flavors. When these are captured by a varietal, they can be paired successfully with appetizers, mains, or even desserts, making the sipping experience even more special. Plus, proving you know your stuff when it comes to white wine will make your home the place for future gatherings in the springtime, summertime, or anytime.

How Is White Wine Made?

Every beautiful bottle of white wine starts with a good harvest. For yellow and green grapes, they must be picked during the cooler hours of early morning or late night to preserve their crisp, refreshing acidity and flavor. Fun fact: white grapes are usually harvested earlier than red grapes for this same reason. After being collected, they head straight to the winery for pressing, where their juices are collected into a tank and processed with sulfur dioxide to kill existing bacteria. 

It's important to let sediment thoroughly settle to the bottom of the holding tank before adding yeast, as it can make the finished white bitter. The yeast gobbles up natural sugars to get the fermentation process underway, and it takes just about two weeks before it becomes alcoholic. Because white wines lean on bright, floral aromas, their grapes are fermented at a cooler temperature than red grapes. Another fun fact: white wine is rarely placed in an open fermentation tank because oxygen exposure can burn off those same delicate, aromatic notes — and no good winemaker wants that.

Once the 14 days have passed, it's up to the winemaker to determine how long the yeast eats away at the sugar; the longer the white wine ferments, the drier it will become. As a matter of preference, winemakers can also choose to put their white wine through a process called malolactic fermentation. This is an acid conversion carried out by specific bacteria that eat malic acid found in the wine, leading to the excretion of lactic acid and a creamy, buttery end result. No matter how long white wine ages, it must be stirred periodically to mix the dead yeast, known as the lees, into the wine for added flavor and richness.

Types of White Wines You Need To Know 

There are so many types of white wine out there that it can be tough to determine which ones you should have on hand in a pinch, or at minimum, which ones you should know a bit more about. That said, doing your research to determine a couple of go-to bottles you can impress with as a host or a guest is definitely worth your time. Knowing which types of white wine you should have on hand will upgrade your social experiences, and maybe even inspire others to get to know what's inside their glasses a bit better, too.

Chardonnay

This ever-popular white has been a dinner party staple for ages, thanks to its creamy, full-bodied mouth feel. California chardonnay is aged in oak barrels — a prime example of malolactic fermentation — and French chardonnay from is a bit crisper with more citrus notes. No matter which region's grapes you choose, this white wine is wonderful paired with seafood, especially lobster and scallops, or a rich pasta dish. For those that like just one strong, solid glass of wine to do the trick after a long day, look no further than this perpetual favorite. 

Sauvignon Blanc

Highly acidic and tart on the tongue, sauvignon blanc is the white wine you want chilling down for a friend gathering or happy hour during a warm spring or summer day. Because this wine tends to be on the earthy side and much drier than most, pair it with light, flavorful fare like chicken or tofu and herby cheeses like chevre or Havarti — maybe even a charcuterie plate with all of the above.

Chablis

Chablis is a light, clean white wine that brings together notes of tart green apple and crisp citrus to invigorate the palate. Its high acidity content goes extremely well with strong, savory flavors like oysters, grilled pork, and Swiss or aged Cheddar cheeses. Although Chablis is a subregion of Burgundy, France and is made from chardonnay grapes, it has a very different profile than whites made in Burgundy proper.

Pinot Grigio

Zesty at the front and refreshing at the finish, pinot grigio is a classic white you can pull out for nearly any occasion and watch it disappear. This white is also known by its grape varietal name, pinot gris — a bit of knowledge you can share with your guests. Pinot grigio isn't picky when it comes to pairings, either: its lemon and honeysuckle notes go well alongside salty, umami flavors, which are bound to be in at least one dish on your table. 

Gewürztraminer

Sure, it might take you a while to pronounce this white wine's name with ease, but it will be worth it. With a telltale lychee aroma and tart pineapple notes throughout, this lesser-known white is complex and striking to the senses. A quality Gewürztraminer has a bit of spice, and pairs deliciously well with warm, exotic flavors in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Asian cuisine.

Find the Perfect White for Hosting at JJ Buckley Fine Wines

Though no one can tell you how to choose white wines for your upcoming social gatherings, romantic dates, or your solo Friday nights, JJ Buckley Fine Wines makes some pretty great suggestions. With choices to fit every preference and budget, we are positive you'll find the perfect white wine varieties for whatever life events warrant a glass — and that you'll know your stuff before enjoying it.