White wine can be a perfect choice in the winter: As the seasons change and temperatures drop, many of us instinctively reach for a bold red wine to complement the cozy atmosphere of fall and winter. But, white wines can be just as suitable in the colder months, offering a refreshing contrast to rich dishes and flavors.
It doesn't really matter if you're curled up by the fireplace - to be realistic - probably by the stove, or preparing a comforting meal; a recommended and proper white wine can completely upgrade your experience!
Whether it's a round-bodied Chenin Blanc that's pleasing to the mouth, a slightly greenish Grenache Blanc, or a buttery, smooth Chardonnay.
How do you choose a recommended white wine suitable for winter?
The main factor that will contribute to making a white wine suitable for you on cold winter days is hidden in the winemaking and aging process. White wines with a richer body and texture are those that have fermented and matured in oak barrels and will taste even better when they warm up a little in your wine glass. And this white wine is what you are looking for.
4 recommended white wines:
Here are some of the best and most unique white wines to enjoy during the fall and winter – to lift your palate and your mood..
Viognier
If you are a Chardonnay fan, you will love this special variety – Viognier. This white wine is usually full-bodied and creamy. It can have oaky flavors like vanilla or cedar. The grape itself provides a fragrant and floral nose, along with fresh citrus on the palate. Viognier is a wonderful wine to drink alongside spicier dishes such as Asian or Indian cuisine.
Chenin Blanc
Here is a wonderful gastronomically recommended white wine: Chenin Blanc delivers high levels of vibrant acidity, but with a roundness and balancing oiliness, imagine the acidity of Riesling meets the body and texture of Chardonnay. Few grapes have the range of flavors and styles that Chenin Blanc does; like a chameleon - making it a glove in the hand of the creator.
The blanc blanc should be served alongside the first course of the green salad with the vibrant vinaigrette dressing, or as a main course of various chicken dishes and meaty fish.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache is a full-bodied white wine from northern Spain. It has aromas of green fruit and citrus notes including Asian pear, green apple, lime zest, white peach and green almonds. Other flavors include delicate sweet floral notes of honeysuckle along with baked apple and brioche. If the wine has been aged in oak, on the palate it will be plump and rich with juicy pear flavors leading to aromas of green almonds or dried green herbs. Alcohol levels will range from 13-15%, a perfect wine for a cold evening. Did we mention?
Grenache Blanc's natural spice flavors work well with richer white meats, allowing it to be paired with cuisines with powerful flavors, such as North Africa, Spain, and India.
Macabo
Macabo is a grape variety that is best known as the main variety for producing Cava in Spain, but, be warned – Macabo also produces wonderful still white wines. It is a variety with wonderful floral and aromatic notes of peach and apple to aromas of honey and nuts when the wine is fermented and aged in oak barrels.
A distinct gastronomic wine, great with many dishes, from raw or grilled fish, duck with Asian seasoning, to grilled and smoked meats.
According to Assaf Heinan of Vitkin Winery: "Macbeau is a variety that I have dreamed of making wine from since I first tasted it in 2000, and indeed, 9 years later we were the first winery (and still the only one) to grow it in Israel and make wine from this amazing variety."
It is recommended to start drinking the wine chilled and let it open, warm up a little, and develop with exposure to oxygen. The wine initially reveals sharp, slightly floral fruit aromas, and over time reveals fascinating complexity.
So this winter you will drink differently: drink white!
And above all, drink blue and white-
Cheers!
