Dry White Wine Types

I have always been confused about the type of wine that can be enjoyed with red meat and the one that goes best with the fish. The most important factor in choosing the type of wine is the one that will enhance the flavor of the meal. Wines are divided into two categories, the Red wines and the White wines. The other categories of wines include blush, fruit/country, sparkling and non-alcoholic. Different wines are classified according to the grape variety or the region where the particular grapes are grown. Wines that are classified according to region, are named after the region itself and the wines classified according to the type of grapes are known as 'varietals'. In this article I will be discussing more on dry white wine varieties.

Types of Dry White Wine
The dry white wines are made from fresh white varieties of grapes and few light-colored grapes as well. Dry white wine varieties are classified into three varieties like all other wines; sparkling, sweet and dry. The degree of sweetness or dryness is used to divide the types of dry white wine and sweet white wines. The characteristics of each types of white wine depend on the type of grapes used and the method of blending the wine to make it unique. After the sugars of the grapes have fermented, dry white wines varieties are created. These table wines that are consumed along with meals are also known as 'natural wines', as there is nothing extra added to the fermented juice of grapes. Let us explore the dry white wine varieties.

Dry White Wine Varieties
Dry white wines originated in Europe in countries like France and Germany. Today, many wine connoisseur have started producing excellent dry white wine types in America. Do you know how to differentiate between the types of dry white wine? If not, then read on to know more on types of dry white wines.

• Chardonnay: This is one of the most popular dry white wine varieties. It originated in Burgundy (France) and is the principal wine of this town. The typical taste of this varietal wine is wider-bodies, more velvety and rich citrus, like lemon or grapefruit flavor, unlike other types of white wines. A buttery tone of vanilla, toast, coconut or toffee can be added by fermenting the wine in new oak barrels. The USD ₁₂ Californian Chardonnay has a very citrus fruit flavor with a little hint of melon, vanilla and some toasty character along with some creaminess. Chardonnay, the dry white wine type goes well with pork, fish and chicken dishes.
• Gewurztraminer: This dry white wine type is a very aromatic variety of wine. The best known Gewurztraminer are produced in Alsace, Germany, the West Coast of USA and New York. The typical taste of this varietal dry white wine is more of a fruity flavor with aromas of rose petal, peach, lychee and allspice. You can serve this wine with Asian food, pork and grilled sausages.
• Muscat: This type of dry white wine is made up of a family of grapes and not a single variety. This white wine variety bears no resemblance to the Muscadet wine. This dry white wine varieties have a sweet and fruity taste and a characteristic grape fruit and musky aroma. You can recognize a Muscat dry white wine type immediately, if you have tasted the Muscat table grapes. This wine tastes best on its own, that is, without food.
• Riesling: These dry white wines improvise in taste as they age. The Riesling dry white wine varieties of Germany taste slightly sweet and balance is provided with steely acidity. The Alsace and Eastern USA dry white wine varieties are made in a different style with an aromatic and drier taste. The Riesling can be enjoyed with fish, pork and chicken dishes.
• Sauvignon Blanc: These dry white wine types are clean and crisp tasting, and originated in Bordeaux, wine region of France. Other excellent Sauvignon Blanc varieties are produced in the Loire valley and New Zealand. The typical taste consists of an herbal character that feels like bell pepper or freshly mown grass. Sour green fruits like apple, pear and gooseberries form the dominating flavors. The unoaked quality Sauvignon Blanc exhibit smoky qualities with bright aromas and a strong acid finish. This is a versatile food wine that goes well with seafood, poultry and salads.
• Pinot grigo: This wine is produced from the pinot grigo variety, that is grown extensively in the Venezia and Alto-Aldine regions of Italy. It is known as malvoisie in the Loire Valley, Rulander or Grauer Burgunder in Austri and Germany. The pinot grigo is also grown in the West Coast of America. The typical taste of this type of dry white wine is crisp with good acid 'bite'. It has an aromatic fruity flavor that improves as the wine ages in the bottle. This is a versatile dry white wine variety that can be enjoyed with different meals.

Dry White Wines for Cooking
Wines are popular not only for drinking but are also used in many popular cooking recipes. Wines are used for three things in the kitchen; to marinade, as a cooking liquid and as a flavoring ingredient in a dish. Wines help fortify the taste and aroma of the food cooked and do not hamper the flavor of the cooked meal. It is important to take care of the amount of wine you add to your cooking. Too much of a wine becomes overpowering and too little makes a trivial difference. You should keep in mind to use only those wines that you enjoy drinking. This is because if you do not enjoy drinking the wine, you won't like its flavor in the meal as well.

There are a few dry white wines for cooking, that you can use according to the taste expected from your meal. If the dish needs some white wine, use the American Sauvignon Blanc as it a very dry wine that adds an herbal tilt, enhancing any dish. Gewurtraminer, Riesling and Viognire are types of dry white wines that have a dynamic fruity flavor and exotic floral aromas, that can even out bold any spicy recipe.

Julia Child, an American chef, once quoted , "If you do not have a good wine to use, it is far better to omit it, for a poor one can spoil a simple dish and utterly debase a noble one.". Follow the lady's advice, if you are not sure about using a dry white wine for cooking, especially if you are a beginner.

There are many dry white wines that can satisfy a palette's desire and help you enjoy the aroma and the flavor of it. Explore the wide and enticing world of dry white wines, humming the following W. B. Yeats poem under your breath:

A DRINKING SONG
Wine comes in at the mouth
And love comes in at the eye;
That's all we shall know for truth
Before we grow old and die.
I lift the glass to my mouth,
I look at you, and I sigh.