In all practicality, white wine is basically different from red wine because of the obvious color difference which is due to the skin of the grape used and the way white grapes are pressed immediately after picking. Even though it has been termed “white”, these wines actually vary in color and body, which is basically due to the type of grapes and wood used.
How to Enjoy White Wine
If you are a novice wine drinker, then this wine would be the best type to start with to avoid offending your palate. Unlike reds, whites can be enjoyed at anytime and anyplace as long as you feel like it. It can be great as an apritif and have it before dinner, or it can also be enjoyed as a cocktail. White wines are best enjoyed chilled but avoid having it too cold and the following can guide you how.
Temperature Guidelines for White Wine
One of the most important things to know with whites is that it should be refreshingly cool to enjoy, however, a temperature too low can deprive you of the subtle nuances that is characteristic of expensive whites like Chardonnay.
* If you are trying out a dry white wine or other simpler stuff, it would be best to have it very cold, particularly if you are a newbie in wine tasting and drinking.
* Heavier wines can be enjoyed at a slightly warmer temperature, but still relatively cooler than the other whites.
* An expensive and higher quality white wine can best be enjoyed at slightly cold temperatures and would be warmest compared to the other whites.
* It can take you up to 3 hours to completely chill a bottle of wine if placed in a refrigerator. The fastest way to chill a bottle is to place inside a bucket filled with iced water with a little bit of ice. Constantly rotate the bottle to even out the temperature on all sides.
White Wines and Food
In drinking wines, the age old misconception is that for fish and white meats, white wine should be drunk, while beef and red meats goes with red wine and it goes on that desserts should be taken with sweet wines. The truth is, wines can be taken with any food you like as long as you find it pleasing to your palates, although there are some guides that you can follow as a rule of thumb.
This simple rule is to pair a white wine with flavors that contrast or complements each other. Classic examples are drinking acidic dry wine with a dish rich in cream sauce or a simple fruity wine can complement well with a citrus laden dish. It is up to you actually to be open with pairings and this would be one of the fun parts in drinking wines.