Colder weather doesn’t just mean red wine. There are some amazing examples of warming whites. Normally these tend to be a bit pricier, but they do not have to be. Some examples could be a Pouilly Fuisse and Puligny Montrachet. Chablis is probably the most known name in White Burgundy. But in my opinion mostly overrated and vastly overpriced.
Not only are there other grapes I would recommend in winter, but other countries as well as regions. Here were the picks for Winter White
The Wines
Alain Grignon, Vermentino – France – Vegan
Tasting Notes
Giles Says: Apples and Blossoms, Taste what you smell.
Smell: citrus and green apple with subtle floral notes
Taste: crisp and refreshing, with a zesty minerality and a clean finish
Pairing: Grilled Seafood & Goats Cheese Tarts
Alain Grignon came through with another fan favourite. This Vermentino was enjoyed by all. As mentioned on the night, if you can find a Vermentino from the USA give it a try. While normally found in Italy and Sardinia this grape seems to travel really well!
Left to ferment on it’s Lees (dead yeast) this wine is a perfect winter white. It was also the first bottle to be finished!
Beronia Verdejo Rueda – Spain – Vegan
Tasting Notes
Giles Says: Nectarine and lime heby tang.
Smell: citrus, white fruit, and herbs like fennel
Taste: white peach and melon with threads of fresh, fennel herbs
Pairing: Pasta, Stir Frys, Paella
One of the easier drinking wines, the Verdejo grape is exclusive to spain and a great alternative to a Rioja Blanco. This particular bottle whilst made in the Rueda Region is a blend of Verdejo grapes from all over Spain. This practice is fairly common with spanish wine and larger makers. It enables them to produce more but also blend to keep a flavour profile they are after.
Norton FInca La Colonia Torrontes – Argentina
Tasting Notes
Giles Says: Ripe peaches, apricots, tropical fruits, jasmine, and rose petals
Smell: Stone Fruits & Blossoms
Taste: Peach, Pineapple, Rose water
Pairing: Teriyaki, Satay, Coconut Currys
One of my favourites from the night, Torrontes can be a great change from the norm. For me it is a Chardonnay alternative. With floral notes that offer a lightness in comparison. This grape shot to fame a few decades ago, and has kept on shelves with an underrated appearance.
Domaine Begude L’Etoile Chardonnay – France – Organic Vegan
Tasting Notes
Giles Says: Super big Pear/Apple and Melted Butter
Smell: Oak & Creamy Butter
Taste: Ripe pear, apple, zesty citrus flavors, notes of brioche & vanilla
Pairing: Roast Chicken & Nutty Cheeses
This bottle helped people enjoy Chardonnay who thought they did not like Chardonnay. I could have done a 6 chardonnay tasting if I am honest. But held off. This bottle from the Languedoc has a slightly different style and benefits from Malolactic fermentation giving it the toasty buttered brioche notes. This is exactly what we are after from a winter white.
Chateau Tour Chapoux Black Sauvignon Blanc – France
Tasting Notes
Giles Says: Grapefruit, Tropical Fruit, Lemon Sherbert, Apple, Straw, Cream Cheese?
Smell: Apple, Tropical Fruits
Taste: Gooseberry, Melon, Asparagus
Pairing: Grilled Seafood & Goats Cheese Tarts
This wine did what it was meant to do and surprised everyone with a non typical Sauvignon Blanc. As mentioned on the night, Bordeaux do Sav Blanc differently with their oak aging. Often blended as a Bordeaux Blanc with Semillon this one was picked as a single variety to show the difference. What you expect from the grape and what you get are two very different things. Move over Burgundy, Bordeaux Whites are your friend in the winter!
No.1 Grüner Veltliner
Tasting Notes
Giles Says: Citrus, lime, lemon, Peach, melon, Passion fruit, Floral notes & Pepper
Smell: Sweet Apple & Fennel
Taste: Green Apple, Grapefruit, White Pepper
Pairing: Roast Chicken, Pad Thai, Rocket Goats Cheese Salad, Grilled Fish
You all surprised me with how much you liked this wine. It can be a bit marmite with the love it or loathe it. Rich fruity flavours to warm the soul. Always have one of these laying around for that curry or cheeseboard kind of night. Try a few different brnds and pick which one is your favourite.
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