Types of White Wines

The demand for white wine has skyrocketed by 65% since 2000, making the U.S. the largest consumer of white wine in the world. At Seneca Wine & Liquor in New Hartford, NY, you’ll find a wide range of white wines to suit different tastes. Chardonnays offer crisp and refreshing flavors, while Rieslings bring sweet and aromatic notes. Our selection includes both beloved classics and new finds, ensuring you have plenty of choices for any occasion, whether you're enjoying a quiet evening or hosting friends.

White wines come in a wide variety of styles, from bone-dry and crisp to lusciously sweet. The character of a white wine is largely shaped by the grape variety, the region where it's grown, and the winemaking techniques used.

At the drier end of the spectrum, you have white wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. These wines have refreshing flavors of citrus, green apple, and subtle herbs, with lively acidity that makes them great pairings for light dishes like seafood, salads, and grilled chicken.

Moving towards the sweeter side, you have off-dry and semi-sweet white wines such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer. These wines balance fruit flavors like peach and apricot with refreshing acidity, making them lovely companions for moderately spiced cuisines, sweet-and-sour dishes, and desserts.

At the sweetest end of the spectrum are white wines like Moscato and Muscat. These lush, aromatic wines are full of intense flavors of tropical fruits, honey, and flowers. They shine as indulgent dessert pairings or can be enjoyed on their own as refreshing sippers.

Each white wine grape brings its own unique character to the glass. Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular and versatile options:

Chardonnay is one of the world's most widely planted white wine grapes. It can produce a range of styles, from crisp and fruit-forward to rich and creamy with notes of vanilla and oak. Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with seafood, poultry, and creamy pasta dishes.

Sauvignon Blanc is known for its vibrant acidity and distinctive herbaceous and citrus aromas. Depending on the region, it may also have flavors of gooseberry, passion fruit, or freshly cut grass. This refreshing white wine complements dishes with fresh herbs, grilled seafood, and light salads.

Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris) is a versatile white with a light to medium body and a crisp, clean profile. It often tastes of green apple, citrus, and sometimes subtle floral or spicy notes. Pinot Grigio pairs well with a variety of lighter fare, including sushi, salads, and grilled white meats.

Riesling is a highly aromatic white wine that can range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Depending on the style, it can exhibit flavors of green apple, stone fruits, and subtle mineral notes. Dry and off-dry Rieslings make excellent aperitifs and complement dishes with spicy, salty, or sweet elements.

Gewürztraminer is an aromatic white wine that displays distinctive floral, lychee, and spice notes. It often has a medium to full body and a touch of residual sugar, which balances its natural acidity. Gewürztraminer pairs beautifully with Asian-inspired cuisine, rich seafood dishes, and slightly spicy fare.

Moscato and Muscat are highly aromatic white wines that showcase intense floral, citrus, and stone fruit flavors. They are typically off-dry to sweet in style, making them a delightful choice for desserts, as well as a refreshing option for sipping on their own or as a mixer in cocktails.

The alcohol content in white wines varies depending on the grape variety and winemaking process. Dry white wines, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, typically range from 12-14% ABV. Off-dry and semi-sweet white wines, like Riesling and Gewürztraminer, often fall between 10-12% ABV. At the sweeter end, wines like Moscato and late-harvest Riesling generally have lower alcohol levels, around 8-10% ABV.

Dry white wines are the healthiest option among all other white wines. These wines, particularly those from cooler climates, tend to have lower sugar and alcohol content, making them a more balanced choice for those looking to enjoy wine while keeping an eye on their health. Dry whites have less residual sugar—sugars left over from the fermentation process—which means fewer extra calories compared to sweeter varieties or dessert wines, which may also have added sugars.

In addition to lower sugar, dry white wines typically have more moderate alcohol levels, which can help you keep your calorie intake in check. Alcohol, while it adds flavor, also contributes concentrated calories with little nutritional benefit. To enjoy wine in a healthier way, choosing wines with lower sugar and alcohol content helps ensure you're staying within the recommended limits for alcohol consumption. Keep in mind, a standard 5-ounce glass of wine (with about 12% ABV) is considered one drink, and moderation is key to enjoying wine without overdoing it.

Here are some classic food and white wine pairings to explore:

Chardonnay pairs beautifully with grilled or poached seafood, roasted chicken, and creamy pasta dishes. Sauvignon Blanc complements fresh salads, grilled vegetables, goat cheese, and sushi. Pinot Grigio is a fantastic match for light pasta dishes, grilled white fish, and mezze platters.

Riesling complements spicy Asian dishes really well. Apart from Asian cuisine, it also goes well with mild curries and fresh fruit desserts. Gewürztraminer is a wonderful companion for Thai or Indian curries, roasted pork, and blue cheese.

Moscato makes a delightful pairing for fruit-based desserts and light pastries, and can also be enjoyed on its own as a sweet after-dinner sipper. Late-harvest Riesling is a natural match for crème brûlée, apple pie, and blue cheese.

When it comes to serving temperatures, there's a general rule of thumb you should follow:

For drier white wine styles like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, the ideal serving temperature is between 45-55°F. This cooler range will help preserve the wines' refreshing acidity and bright fruit flavors. Off-dry and semi-sweet whites, such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer, are best enjoyed a bit warmer, around 45-50°F. This slightly warmer temperature will not suppress their natural sweetness while maintaining balanced acidity.

With sweeter white wines wines like Moscato and late-harvest Riesling, the serving temperature is between 45-50°F. Served this chilled brings out their concentrated fruit flavors and floral aromas without letting the sweetness become overpowering.

Proper storage is just as important for preserving white wine quality. Ideally, you'll want to store white wines in a cool, dark place with minimal temperature fluctuations, typically between 55-65°F. Exposing white wines to direct sunlight or storing them near heat sources can cause them to age prematurely, dulling their vibrant aromas and flavors.

At Seneca Wine & Liquor in New Hartford, NY, we offer a thoughtfully curated selection of white wines that are as diverse as they are delicious. From crisp, refreshing Chardonnays to aromatic Rieslings, our team is ready to help you find the perfect bottle for any occasion. Visit us at 8630 Seneca Turnpike or explore our offerings online at www.shopsenecawine.com. Have questions or need recommendations? Reach out at (315) 724-8672 or seneca@horsestailgroup.com —we’d love to help you find the ideal white wine to complement your next gathering or cozy night in.