The Ultimate Guide to White Wine

De Bortoli Wines 15/01/2025

Explore everything you need to know about white wine, from understanding its varieties to mastering food pairings and serving tips. This guide will help you confidently choose and enjoy the perfect bottle of white wine.

What is White Wine?

You probably already guessed that white wine is crafted from white grape varieties such as chardonnay, riesling, and sauvignon blanc, which range from green to yellow. However, the key distinction between white and red wines lies in production. The grape skins are separated from the juice early on for white wines, preventing colour and tannins from seeping into the final product. This method creates a lighter, crisper flavour profile that is quite refreshing.

Types of White Wine

Our white wine collection showcases an array of popular varietals, each offering unique flavour profiles and characteristics.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is the chameleon of white wines, capable of producing styles ranging from crisp and unoaked to rich buttery and known for its adaptability to different climates and techniques. In cooler regions, it produces crisp, citrus-driven wines with notes of green apple and minerality. In warmer areas, it develops riper flavours like tropical fruits and melon.

The winemaking process further defines Chardonnay’s profile. Stainless steel fermentation preserves its fresh, fruity characteristics, while oak aging introduces creaminess, vanilla, and buttery richness layers. 

View our range of Chardonnay that showcase this varietal’s incredible diversity.

Sauvignon Blanc

Bright and aromatic, Sauvignon Blanc is beloved for its vibrant acidity and intense flavours. It produces wines with notes of passionfruit, citrus, and grassy herbaceousness.

The fermentation process often involves stainless steel tanks to retain its zippy freshness. Sauvignon Blanc’s expressive nature makes it one of the most distinctive white wines on the market. 

Head to our Sauvignon Blanc collection to explore the lively and refreshing options.

Riesling

Riesling is an aromatic varietal that ranges from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. In Australia, Rieslings are often dry and light-bodied, showcasing crisp acidity and lime, lemon, and green apple flavours.

This grape develops a signature purity in cooler climates, with minimal intervention in the winemaking process to highlight its natural vibrancy. Over time, Riesling can evolve complex notes of honey and dried fruit, making it one of the most age-worthy white wines. 

Explore our Riesling wines to experience this transformative wine type.

Pinot Grigio & Pinot Gris

Two styles: one grape. Pinot Grigio represents the Italian approach to winemaking, focusing on light, crisp, and refreshing wines with green apple, lemon, and white peach flavours. In contrast, Pinot Gris follows the French style, creating richer, fuller-bodied wines with ripe pear, honey, and spice notes.

Australian winemakers often draw inspiration from both styles, producing wines that balance freshness with complexity. Pinot Grigio is typically fermented in stainless steel, while Pinot Gris may see some oak to enhance its texture. 

Explore the nuances of these fantastic white wines in our Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris collection.

Other Notable White Wine Varieties (Semillon, Fiano)

Our white wine range also features options like Moscato, Semillon, and Fiano. 

  • Moscato is light, low in alcohol, and brimming with sweet, floral flavours. 
  • Semillon is a versatile grape that produces crisp, young wines or rich, aged styles with complex nutty notes. 
  • Fiano offers a medium-bodied profile with hints of citrus, honey, and almonds.

What Does White Wine Taste Like?

White wines are widely celebrated for their refreshing acidity and vibrant flavours. Some are dry and crisp, others sweet and luscious, and many sit comfortably in between. The sweetness, acidity, and body of different white wines can vary significantly as the grape, region, and winemaking style influences them.

We recommend experimenting with white wine types to help you discover your favourite drop.

How to Choose the Right White Wine for You

When selecting a white wine, consider these factors:

  1. Flavour Preferences: If you enjoy zesty, citrus-driven wines, try a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a richer profile, we suggest opting for Chardonnay or Pinot Gris.
  2. Occasion: Light-bodied whites suit casual lunches, while fuller-bodied options shine at dinner parties.
  3. Food Pairing: Align the white wine’s body and acidity with your dish for the perfect taste match.

White Wine and Food Pairings

Pairing white wine with food is a sensory delight, and finding the right match can elevate your meal and wine. The key to a great pairing is balance: the wine's flavours, weight, and acidity should complement the dish without overpowering it. 

Let’s explore some classic white wine and food combinations:

White Wine with Seafood

Seafood and white wine are a classic pairing. The wine’s bright acidity and lighter body complement the delicate, briny flavours of the ocean.

  • Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its crispness and herbal notes, Sauvignon Blanc enhances fresh oysters, prawns, and ceviche, cutting through the richness and accentuating their freshness.
  • Unoaked Chardonnay: This lighter style pairs beautifully with grilled white fish or scallops, providing subtle fruitiness without overpowering the dish.
  • Sparkling Whites: Bubbles add a celebratory touch to fried or battered seafood, like tempura prawns, fish, and chips, cleansing the palate between bites.

White Wine with Cheese

Cheese and wine are a timeless pairing, and white wines bring a refreshing contrast to the creamy, salty textures of many cheeses.

  • Riesling: With its vibrant acidity and fruity character, Riesling pairs exceptionally well with soft, creamy cheeses like brie or camembert. Off-dry styles also complement blue cheese, balancing its saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
  • Chardonnay: A fuller-bodied, oaked Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with aged cheeses like gouda or cheddar, with the wine’s buttery notes mirroring the cheese’s nuttiness.
  • Moscato: For dessert cheese platters featuring mascarpone or goat’s cheese with honey, Moscato’s floral sweetness is a delightful companion.

White Wine with Vegetarian Dishes

White wines can enhance various vegetarian dishes, from light salads to hearty roasted vegetables.

  • Sauvignon Blanc: The herbal, grassy notes of Sauvignon Blanc shine with fresh green salads, asparagus, or dishes featuring zesty vinaigrettes.
  • Pinot Gris: This richer texture makes it an excellent choice for vegetable-based curries, roasted root vegetables, or creamy risottos.
  • Fiano or Semillon: These lesser-known whites bring complexity and depth to dishes like pumpkin ravioli, mushroom tarts, or charred cauliflower.

Serving and Enjoying White Wine

The Ideal Temperature To Serve White Wine

White wines should be served chilled but not overly cold, which can mute their flavours. Each type has an ideal range:

  • Light Whites (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio): Serve at 7–10°C to highlight their crisp acidity and vibrant fruit notes.
  • Rich Whites (e.g., Chardonnay, Viognier): Serve at 10–12°C to reveal their fuller textures and complex aromas.

Chill white wine in the fridge for 2–3 hours for best results. If it’s too cold, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Choosing the Right Glassware

Use glasses with a narrow bowl and smaller openings to concentrate aromas and maintain temperature. Always hold the glass by the stem to avoid warming the wine.

Explore De Bortoli’s White Wine Collection

Our white wine collection offers something for every palate, from our iconic Chardonnays to fruity and fresh Sauvignon Blancs. Visit our white wine shop to explore the range and find your perfect white wine match.


White Wine FAQs

Can white wine be aged like red wine?

With proper storage, some white wines, like Chardonnay and Riesling, can age gracefully, developing complex flavours over time. However, most whites are best enjoyed within a few years of release.

Is white wine healthier than red wine?

Red and white wine share similar nutritional profiles, but each has advantages. Red wine has a slight edge in specific vitamins and minerals, while white wine stands out for its lower calorie content.

Can I cook with white wine?

Absolutely! White wine enhances sauces, risotto, and marinades with its acidity and bright flavours. We always recommend choosing a wine you’d enjoy drinking for the best results in your food preparation.

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