If I had to guess what white wine you had in your fridge right now, I’d say Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. I would also imagine that if you drink Chardonnay, you would only drink a Sauvignon Blanc if that was your only option and visa versa.
It is now time to step out on your white wine and try something new, and I am here to offer some suggestions. Aren’t you glad this is not a post on box wine? I bet that is what you thought when you read the title. I gotcha!
White Wine Varieties
There are somewhere around ten thousand varieties of wine grapes that exist in the world. I can find no information on the breakdown between red varieties and white varieties so let’s assume it is close to half. That leaves thousands that you will never hear about and nor should you as most of these wines will never be found outside of the country of origin. But that still leaves some fantastic varieties that you should know. They are widely available and delicious. When is the last time you had a Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Sémillon, Grüner Veltliner, Muscadet, Vermentino, Muscat Blanc, Piquepoul, Soave, or Torrontés?
Of course, the top five are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris/Grigio, and Chenin Blanc.
In the past, I have served up several others including Albariño, Aligôte, Marsanne Blend, Moscofilero, and Furmint. Here are a couple more delicious wines that you may or may not be familiar.
Chateau du Trignon Côte du Rhône Roussanne 2016
The southern Rhône is one of my favorite wine regions in France. Partly because the grapes that are grown there as well as their wine blends that have become world-renowned. When considering a Rhône wine most think only of reds, but you are indeed missing out if you do not seek out the beautiful white wines that they make.
Roussane is typically blended with Marsanne; however, this Chateau du Trignon Côte du Rhône Roussanne 2016 is 100% Roussanne and a real treat.
It is creamy yellow in color. Giving the glass a swirl or two and aromas of Honeydew and Casaba melons waft upward. There is a milky texture and mouthfeel that is counterbalanced by the tartness on the palate. Melon flavors remain the primary note on the palate albeit Gary felt that the ripeness was less pronounced here versus on the nose.
I would pair this wine with charcuterie or a summer salad.
I purchased the wine at Bottles in Mount Pleasant for $20.00 and have since seen it at Edmunds Oast Exchange and The Wine Shop on Lockwood.
Milan Pošip 2016 South Dalmatia Croatia
Pošip is an indigenous grape to Croatia. Originally grown on the island of Korcula just off the western coast of Croatia. Winemaker Ivica Milan believed that this grape could grow in his native region, so he hand carried vines from Korcula and re-planted them in Kaštela.
The color is a deep yellow gold. This wine has a medium body and would not be a summer sipping wine but more of a dinner wine. On the nose, I get burnt sugar and a back note of banana. While this wine has a crispness to it. It does not come from the acid… as this wine has a low acid content. On the palate tI ger various more generic tropical fruits as well as some earthiness.
Croatian wines are gaining in popularity although they are still a challenge to find in most local wine shops. Fortunately, there is an online retailer that sells several Croatian wines. Check out Topochines.com for some unique Croatian wine at reasonable prices. This wine retails for $26.00 a bottle and ships from California.
Side Note:
The Zinfandel grape originates from Croatia.
Bottom line folks…
I want you to live a little and get out of your comfort zone. Right now I have several white wines all queued up including a French Grenache Blanc/Grenache Gris blend, a Swiss Balavaud, a California Chenin Blanc/Viognier blend, a French Marsanne/Roussanne blend, and a French Thèüsien Blanc. So what is in your fridge?
Keeping Your White Wine Chilled
Keep this bad boy in the freezer, so it is ready when you are. It is affordable and will work for any casual occasion. The Vacu Vin Rapid Ice Wine Cooler starts at ~$8 depending on the style you choose.
This elegant Marble Wine Bottle Cooler ($39.00) will dress up any table. Keep in in the fridge or oak in a cold water bath, and this will keep your wine chilled for hours on end.
Did you let your glass of wine warm up because you were not paying attention? These Stainless Steel Ice Cubes will bring it back to temp and not impart any flavors into the wine.
That is all for now!
Cheers,
rick
Oh! The stainless steel ice cubes are a good gift idea for my mother haha!