Are you a fan of white wine? Whether you’re a casual drinker or an aficionado, the world of white wine can be overwhelming. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s why we’ve tapped a beverage expert to give us the lowdown on the most popular types of white wine and what makes them special.

Meet Rick Margaritov, a certified sake sommelier and hospitality veteran with an extensive beverage background. Rick has collaborated with renowned chefs and has a deep knowledge of wines. He’s here to guide us through the world of white wines and help us find the perfect bottle.

Let’s start with sauvignon blanc. This type of white wine is known for its pronounced citrus fruit flavors, resulting in a light, crisp, and balanced wine. It has higher acidity that makes your mouth salivate for more. Some sauv blancs also feature herbal and vegetal notes, giving them a crisp and refreshing taste. If you’re looking for a dry, refreshing, and approachable white wine, sauvignon blanc is a safe bet. It’s perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or pairing with seafood dishes. We recommend trying Allan Scott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022 or Le Petit Silex Sancerre 2022 for a delightful sauv blanc experience.

Next up is chenin blanc, a light-bodied white wine that hails from France’s Loire Valley but has now expanded its production to South Africa. Chenin blanc is known for its white fruit flavors like apple and pear, making it slightly sweeter compared to sauv blanc. It pairs beautifully with seafood and is also enjoyable on its own. Chenin blanc may be a lesser-known wine, but it’s widely loved among sommeliers and wine professionals. For a taste of chenin blanc, try Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc 2021 or Sauvion Vouvray 2021.

Moving on to pinot grigio, one of the most popular and well-known white grape varieties. While it’s widely considered to be Italy’s flagship white wine, it actually originated in the Burgundy region of France, where it’s known as pinot gris. Depending on where and how it’s produced, pinot grigio can be a simple and affordable white wine or something beautifully complex and worthy of aging. Everyday pinot grigios are often zesty, light, and citrusy, making them perfect for breakfast or brunch. However, it’s important to choose pinot grigios that are made naturally and not in massive factories with added sugars and sulfites. For a good bottle of pinot grigio, try Pighin Pinot Grigio 2021 or Lucien Albrecht Pinot Gris Cuvee Romanus 2020.

With Rick’s expertise, you can navigate the world of white wines with confidence. Now you can enjoy a crisp glass of white wine on a hot summer afternoon, knowing that you’ve chosen the right bottle. Cheers to a delightful wine experience!

2021 Wine Recommendations: Exploring Easy-Drinking Whites

When it comes to white wine, there are endless options to choose from. From crisp and refreshing to bold and complex flavors, finding the perfect bottle can feel overwhelming. To help narrow down your choices, we have curated a list of some excellent options for easy-drinking white wines in 2021.

Chardonnay, the world’s most popular grape, often gets a bad rap for being too simple and lacking complexity. However, this misconception couldn’t be further from the truth. Chardonnay can be deeply expressive and bolder than you might expect. While oak-aged chardonnay tends to be rich and complex, it may not suit the preferences of those who enjoy a lighter, citrusy white wine.

For those seeking a brighter and zippier flavor profile, chablis is an excellent choice. Produced in Burgundy, the birthplace of chardonnay, chablis offers purity, crispness, and acidity. Additionally, chardonnay plays a significant role in Champagne production, making it a perfect choice for a sparkling celebration.

If you prefer a more perfumed wine, riesling is worth exploring. Native to the Rhine River region, riesling offers floral aromatics, jasmine perfume notes, and mouth-watering acidity. It pairs well with a variety of dishes from Southeast Asian cuisines, especially those with a bit of spice. Keep in mind that not all riesling wines are equally sweet, so be sure to ask for recommendations based on your preference for sweetness levels.

For those who are still unsure about which white wine to choose, sauvignon blanc and chenin blanc are excellent options. Both are incredibly easy to drink, clean, and crisp. They offer a provocative and sexy flavor profile, making them highly thirst-quenching. These styles of white wines are particularly approachable for those who are new to wine or do not regularly indulge in it.

Ultimately, the best white wine for you depends on personal preference and the context in which you will be enjoying it. Pairings with food can enhance the overall experience, and everyone’s palate is unique. If you find yourself overwhelmed by a wine list, consider taking our expert’s advice as a starting point and branch out from there.

Cheers to discovering your new favorite white wine in 2021!