White wine has been a wine lover’s favourite for centuries. Of all the white wines out there, the dry variety is the most popular for its clean and crisp taste and food pairing versatility. But what is dry white wine? In this post we´ll explain what makes white wine dry, look at the different types of dry white wines, and explain how you can buy white wine or order it online.
What Makes White Wine Dry?
"Dry" in white wine means there is no residual sugar in the wine. Residual sugar is the sugar that is left in the wine after going through fermentation. During fermentation, yeast converts the sugars in grape juice into alcohol. When yeast consumes all the sugar the resulting wine is dry. If some sugar is left, the wine can be off-dry, semi-sweet, or sweet, depending on the amount of residual sugar. Dry white wines are loved for their crisp acidity and clean flavours. They are described as citrus, green apple, and mineral. And factors which come into play include:
Grape Variety: Some grape varieties produce less sugar in the wine. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay are examples.
Fermentation: Winemakers can control the fermentation to make sure all the sugar is converted into alcohol and, thus, a dry wine.
Climate and Terroir: The climate and soil where the grapes are grown can affect the sugar levels. Cooler climates produce grapes with less sugar which is perfect for dry wines.
Types of Dry White Wine
There are many dry white wines each with its own characteristics and flavour profiles. Here are some of the most popular dry white wines you can buy at an online wine shop:
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most well known and popular dry white wines. Originally from France´s Loire Valley, it´s now produced in many wine regions around the world including California, Chile, and New Zealand. Sauv Blanc is crisp and citrusy with flavours of green apple, lime and grapefruit often with herbaceous and grassy notes.
Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris, is very popular in Italy. Light-bodied with crisp acidity and flavors of pear, apple, and lemon. Pinot Grigio is perfect for those who like a light and refreshing white wine that pairs well with many foods.
Chardonnay is a classic dry white that varies greatly in style depending on where it’s made. In cooler regions like Chablis in France, Chardonnay is more acidic and mineral-driven with flavours of green apple and citrus. In warmer regions like California, it can be full bodied with richer flavours of tropical fruit, butter and vanilla often due to oak aging.
Albariño is from the Rías Baixas region of Galicia, Spain. High acidity and fresh zesty flavours of citrus, stone fruit and melon. Albariño is perfect for seafood lovers as it pairs well with many seafood dishes.
Riesling is often associated with sweet wines, but quite a few Rieslings are dry. Dry Riesling is really popular throughout Germany as well as the Alsace region of France. These wines are aromatic and flavours of green apple, lime and apricot and minerality.
Ordering White Wine Online
With modern technology, you can now buy from online wine shops. Here are some tips great tips on buying dry white wines on the internet:
Research: Before you buy, read reviews and descriptions of the wines you are interested in. Look for information about the grape variety, region and winemaker.
Online Wine Stores: Choose one that provides a wide range; many provide descriptions and ratings to help you decide.
Delivery: Check the delivery options and shipping policy of the online wine shop. Some shops offer free shipping or discounts on bulk orders, which can be a good bonus.
Recommendations: Don’t be afraid to ask the online wine store customer service for recommendations. They can give you personal suggestions based on your taste and budget.
Specials: Keep an eye out for specials. The majority of online wine stores have discounts, seasonal sales, and also exclusive deals for their customers.
Source: bottlebarn1.blogspot.com
Comments
Generally well summarized, but just a couple of points, If I may. The types listed are the most familiar ones out there. But it´s also worth looking into other dry whites such as Godello, also from Galicia; Portuguese Arinto, grown in the Alentejo and other regions; Grüner Veltliner, cultivated in Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia; Verdicchio from the Marche of central Italy, and Greek Assyrtiko, widely planted on Santorini and other islands (and which belie the assertion that dry whites always need cooler climates to thrive).
Also, one nuance worth pointing out is that "dry" doesn´t necessarily mean zero sugar, because many whites which are technically dry do retain a small amount of residual sugar, and how dry they taste depends to a large degree on the wine´s acidity.