White Wines: Beyond the Well-Loved Varietals
Beyond the well-loved varietals (and we love them too!) like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, there is so much to explore in the world of white wine! We’ve taken the liberty to break down some exquisite varietals for you by means of rom-com characters, because who doesn’t love a good rom-com?! You’re welcome!
Vermentino is like the starlet in every rom-com. A light-bodied character that’s actually quite complex (due to higher levels of phenols). The unknown factor of this varietal means you can get high quality wines without breaking the budget.
Its color is pale yellow with light golden hues, has a very intense fruity aroma of summer ripe fruit. On the palate there is an important aromatic note combined with a pleasant persistence. It is a generous and intense wine with great structure and freshness.
Arneis is another white wine grape variety whose story is one of overcoming adversity. Moving back to our rom-com analogy, like every bad boy turns good and gets the girl type, Arneis was revived from near extinction. In this case, the lover who brought him back was Alfredo Currado of the Vietti wine family. From just a few hectares remaining in the 1960s to now more than 600 in Piedmont, Arneis can typically be found in the Roero wine region in northwest Italy.
A varietal offering stone fruits, mineral, and loads of freshness. Stainless steel vinification and aging insures the mouthfeel is bright and delicious.
Nascetta, a white Piedmontese variety, resembles that of our classic rom-com semi-awkward but actually really cool best friend. It is unusual and was for a long time forgotten. Once it was made into a sweet wine, but due to its difficult and unpredictable nature, it became sparse in production. Through pure serendipity, it was uncorked in 1993 by Elvio Cogno and Valter Fissore, and called “a white wine without equal in the Langhe.”
A pioneer for Nascetta, and a seeker of truth for the varietal expression in limestone, clay soils. Minerality with a lean waxy structure make it medium bodied without over complicating the palate. Wonderful and curious.
Gavi is made from 100% Cortese grapes. In English, the word translates to courteous, making this varietal our rom-com second love interest – the nice guy (who for some reason never gets the starlet) that your family would love. This is an all-around friendly, agreeable dry white wine.
Let’s not split hairs, you’re going for a Gavi di Gavi and not just a Gavi.. so expect 2x the Gavi structure, right? Bright, clean, crisp but aromatic and easy to drink.
Picpoul is a white wine variety from southwest France. In English, the name translates to “stings the lip.” Like the rom-com’s favorite mentor-type (the cool mom, the fun teacher, etc.) it’s a very old varietal that is traditional and prolific, growing in popularity for its mouthwatering, acidic qualities.
Elegant notes of white pear and citrus with mineral and herbaceous tones. Balanced with good acidity and fruit driven notes on the finish. This wine is extremely enjoyable on it’s own or with seafood dishes.
Now, grab and glass, put on your favorite rom-com, and give these white wine varietals some love!