Knowing about wine’s body and acidity can help you discover which white wines you enjoy the most. (And let’s be honest, as far as science projects go, winemaking is easily one of the coolest.) What is Acid?Īlthough it sounds more like a science project than a flavor characteristic, acidity brings wine to life, giving it much of its delightful complexity. ![]() Examples include: Viognier and Gewurztraminer. Examples include: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.įull-bodied white wines inspire descriptions of rich and complex, and they feature the highest alcohol content, coming in at 13.5% or above. Medium-bodies white wines usually have an alcohol content ranging between 12.5% and 13.5%, and they’re often described as smooth and refreshing. Usually with an alcohol level under 12.5%, these wines offer a burst of flavor but don’t feel thick or heavy as you drink. Light-bodied white wines are crisp and bright. To keep things simple, most people talk about wine in three categories: light-bodied, medium-bodied, and full-bodied. The higher the alcohol content, the heavier it will feel in your mouth. As a general rule, a wine’s body is determined by its alcohol content. How can it have body? Fair question.īody is a term used to describe how a wine feels in your mouth. If you’ve ever tasted wine with a group, you’ve probably heard someone talk about a particular wine’s “body.” And if you’re like most people, you probably took a sip, nodded your head knowingly, and responded with an insightful “Mmhmm.” Wine is a liquid. Some wines, like some people, just have to be different. Some white wines, like oaked Chardonnay, are aged in oak barrels to achieve a specific flavor profile that wouldn’t be possible in a stainless steel container. Of course, there are notable exceptions to this rule. Bad for white wine.) To preserve the distinctive aromatics of white wine, winemakers often limit oxygen exposure by fermenting the wine in stainless steel vats. Oxygen is sugar’s natural enemy! OK, OK, it’s not that extreme, but oxygen exposure does remove much of the grapes’ natural freshness and fruitiness. Grapes contain natural sugars, and when eaten and fermented by added yeast, these sugars produce flavors that are consistent with the fruity, floral profile commonly associated with white wine-unless they’re exposed to oxygen. But since red grapes have a very different flavor profile than their white counterparts, most white wine comes from white grapes.īeyond the grapes themselves, the most noticeable production difference happens during the fermentation step. Most? Yep, since white wine is traditionally made by removing the grape skin and seeds before the fermenting step, it’s entirely possible to make white wine from red grapes (Hello, Pinot Grigio). Red wine is made with red grapes, and most white wine is made with white grapes. So if that’s all there is to it, the main difference between red and white wine must be in the grapes that are used, right? Yes-and no. Grapes are grown, harvested, pressed, fermented, bottled, and aged. While wines can be incredibly complex, the winemaking process is relatively simple. This article will help you learn more about the most popular white wines and find the one (or ones) that’s perfect for any moment. Whatever your reasons for wanting to learn more, we’ve got you covered. ![]() Or that charcuterie board you spent hours preparing. Maybe you’re trying to find the perfect pairing for grilled chicken. Do you prefer dry white wine, or is sweet white wine your top choice? Do you prefer the buttery vanilla notes imbued from a barrel-aged wine, or the clean and crisp flavors from stainless steel aging? If you already have a favorite, perhaps you want to discover a new wine or two. If you already know that you like white wine, you might be wondering which you like best. To truly enjoy the wine experience, you owe it to yourself to go deeper. The red and white distinction makes a great starting point for selecting a wine, but it’s just that-a starting point. When it comes to wine, many people assume that choosing a favorite simply involves picking a color: red or white.
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