Wine Types

Chardonnay, America’s number one selling white wine varietal, continues to climb the production ladders to emerge as the most beloved of dry white wines in the U.S. The Chardonnay grape itself also contributes to the wine’s popularity. It is a relatively “low-maintenance” vine that adapts well to a variety of climates, resulting in fairly high yields worldwide. These high yields translate into millions of bottles of Chardonnay wines.

As a result, you can buy a good bottle of Chardonnay for under $15. Chardonnay will pair well with poultry dishes, pork, seafood or recipes that have a heavy cream or butter base. Also consider pairing unoaked Chardonnay with guacamole, garlic, salads, grilled shrimp or even curry dishes. With a long and distinguished following, Chardonnay enjoys a very versatile image, with vintners offering a broad range of styles and structures. wine types From rich, buttery Chardonnays that boast power and presence to the unoaked fruit-forward Chardonnays that allow the varietal character and expression to be in the spotlight, this white wine is capable of accomodating most palates and just as many food pairing combinations. If you prefer a big buttery Chardonnay then look for ones that have been through malolactic fermentation, as they will yield the compound diacetyl, which makes up the dominant scent of fake butter used in microwave popcorn and imitation butter flavorings used in baked goods.

Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are one in the same – the former is the Italian version of its French counterpart. Widely planted in the north of Italy, Pinot Grigio has risen to prominence in the northeast regions of Trentino and Friuli. Pinot Gris is also a principal grape in the Alsace region of France, where climate and soil combine to craft this refreshing white wine. The Pinot Grigio grape is planted widely in the United States, most notably in Oregon, where it outpaces Pinot Grigio plantings in all other wine regions of the U.S. combined. This grape yields a dry, fruit-first wine.