Best white wine of 2025: our recommendations
Crisp, aromatic, and endlessly versatile, white wines bring refreshment to every occasion.
From refined French classics to vibrant American expressions, in this guide we will spotlight the best white wine of 2025, standout grape varieties, terroirs, and perfect pairings for every taste and moment.
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Top 10 white wine names to try in 2025
What is white wine and how is it made?
- Crushing: where the grapes are gently pressed to extract the juice.
- Clarification: to prevent the natural pigments from coloring the wine.
- Fermentation: usually done in stainless steel tanks to preserve acidity and enhance freshness.
Among the best grape varieties used to produce white wine are:
When comparing red vs white wine, the main difference lies in the production process:
- Red wine is made by fermenting grape juice with the skins.
- White wine uses white grapes with the skins removed right after pressing, giving it a lighter color and a smoother texture.
Types of white wine: the role of body and sweetness
- Body — how heavy or light it feels on the palate.
- Sweetness — which ranges from dry to sweet.
- Production style — aging, carbonating and winemaking methods.
Light, medium or full: discovering white wine by body
White wines generally fall into three main body categories:
- Light bodied: crisp, fresh, and delicate.
- Medium bodied: well-balanced with moderate alcohol and acidity.
- Full bodied: rich, complex, often aged with oak for added depth.
| Body Type | Top Producers | Grape Varieties | Structure & Flavor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light-bodied | Rich, creamy texture with higher alcohol, flavors of tropical fruits, butter, vanilla, and spice | Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc | Crisp, fresh, delicate with high acidity and light fruit flavors (apple, citrus, pear) |
| Medium-bodied | Ken Forrester, Eroica, Bodegas Terras Gauda | Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Albariño | Balanced texture, moderate acidity, flavors of green apple, peach, and floral notes |
| Full-bodied | Domaine William Fèvre, Franz Haas, Guigal | Chardonnay (oaked), Gewürztraminer, Viognier | Rich, creamy texture with higher alcohol, flavors of tropical fruits, butter, vanilla, and spice |
Light bodied white wine
A light bodied white wine is known for its low alcohol content, minimal tannins, and crisp acidity. They tend to be fresh and fruity, with vibrant flavors of citrus, green apple, or melon. These wines are ideal for light dishes such as salads, seafood, or an aperitif.
Medium bodied white wine
A medium bodied white wine offers a balanced texture, with the right mix of acidity and alcohol. It offers a fuller flavor than light wines without being overly rich. These wines pair wonderfully with a wide range of dishes, from pasta and seafood to grilled vegetables.
Full bodied white wines
Full bodied white wines are rich, intense, and often oak-aged. With higher alcohol content and bold flavors of ripe fruit and spice, they pair perfectly with hearty dishes like roasted meats or creamy sauces. These wines offer depth and complexity, making them great for aging.
3 Crisp white wines to try
Here are our top 3 crisp white wine recommendations:
- OKE Sauvignon Blanc by Te Pā Wines (New Zealand) — Zesty citrus and green apple.
- Jesera Pinot Grigio by Venica and Venica (Italy) — Crisp and light with pear and lime notes.
- Leirana Albariño by Forjas del Salnes (Spain) — Bright acidity and citrus zest.
3 Sparkling white wines worth trying
Here are 3 sparkling white wines not to miss:
- Champagne Brut by Moët & Chandon (France) — Crisp apple and citrus notes with a hint of brioche.
- Mionetto Luxury Prosecco Cartizze (Italy) — Floral, creamy palate with notes of pear and almond.
- Bodegas Naveran Dama Cava 2022 (Spain) — Fruity flavors, herbaceous with a bright, citrusy finish.
How to classify white wine by sweetness level
- Dry: crisp, clean taste with minimal sweetness (examples of dry white wine are Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc).
- Off-dry: slightly sweet, with a touch of fruitiness (e.g., Riesling).
- Sweet: noticeable sweetness, often with rich fruit flavors (e.g., Sauternes).
| Sweetness | Top Pick | Common Varietals |
|---|---|---|
| Dry | Sauvignon Blanc by Cloudy Bay | Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc |
| Off-dry | Gewürztraminer by Trimbach | Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc |
| Sweet | Moscato d’Asti by Vietti | Moscato, Riesling |
Non alcoholic white wine
While the best non alcoholic white wine is Spumante, there are other excellent options that will surprise you with their authentic taste. Here are our picks:
- Prima Pave Blanc de Blancs: a refined, alcohol-free sparkling white wine.
Food pairing suggestion: Sushi, roasted chicken, or a mild goat cheese. - Josef Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Chardonnay: a smooth and crisp non-alcoholic Chardonnay.
Food pairing suggestion: light salads, grilled vegetables, seafood. - Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc (Non-Alcoholic): a fresh and vibrant non-alcoholic Sauvignon Blanc.
Food pairing suggestion: fresh seafood, sushi, or a goat cheese salad.
White wine food pairing tips: unlock the best combinations
In the table below, we’ll guide you through the ideal combinations to bring out the best in both your white wine and your meal.
| Food | White Wine / Grapes | Type & Structure |
|---|---|---|
| White Fish and Fat Fish | The FMC Chenn Blanc 2021 – Ken Forrester – Chenin Blanc | Medium-bodied, fruity, off-dry to dry |
| Raw Seafood and Shellfish | Cuvee Brut – Piper-Heidsieck – Champagne | Light-bodied, fresh and juicy, dry |
| Light Chicken, DishesTurkey | Sonoma Coast Chardonnay2022 – La Crema – Chardonnay | Full-bodied, creamy, lightly oaked |
| Light Cheese, Mozzarella, Burrata, Young Goat Cheese | Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc 2021 – Cloudy Bay – Sauvignon Blanc | Dry, zesty, medium-bodied |
| Aged Cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, Cheddar, Gouda | Gewürztraminer 2018 – Maison Trimbach – Gewürztraminer | Semi-sweet, spicy, full-bodied |
| Cured Meats & Cold Meats | Bevan Cellars Dry Stack Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022 – Sauvignon Blanc | Dry, crisp, high acidity |
| Seafood, soft cheeses, pasta | Lagar de Cervera Albarino 2023 – Lagar de Fornelos – Albariño | Light-bodied , fresh, citrusy |
| Steak, Gourmet Burgers | Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay 2023 – Kistler Vineyards – Chardonnay | Rich, full-bodied oaky character |
California white wine and other wine regions in the USA
The Napa Valley and Sonoma areas are famous for their rich and balanced whites, ranging from fruity to buttery. Washington and New York (Finger Lakes) are also gaining recognition, with fresh and mineral Rieslings. In recent years, California producers have been crafting fresher unoaked Chardonnay, drawing inspiration in particular from Burgundy styles.
| Region | Top to Try | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Napa Valley, CA | Chardonnay 2022 – Napa Cellars – Chardonnay | Balanced, medium acidity, full-bodied |
| Sonoma County, CA | Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2013 – Duckhorn Vineyards – Sauvignon Blanc | Light-bodied, high acidity, crisp structure |
| Willamette Valley, OR | King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2023 – King Estate – Pinot Grigio | Medium-bodied, high acidity, fresh structure |
| Columbia Valley, WA | Board Track Racer The Vincent Chardonnay 2022 – Mark Ryan – Chardonnay | Full-bodied, medium acidity, creamy structure |
| Finger Lakes, NY | Semi-Dry Riesling 2023 – Dr. Konstantin Frank – Riesling | Light-bodied, high acidity, linear structure |
| Sonoma County, CA | Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2023 – Rodney Strong Vineyards – Sauvignon Blanc | Medium-bodied , high acidity, vibrant structure |
White wines from Italy: from North to South
- Alto Adige undoubtedly stands out as the most renowned region for its whites: fresh, elegant, and aromatic.
- Friuli-Venezia Giulia is celebrated for its refined and mineral-driven white wines, often featuring crisp acidity and delicate floral notes.
- Sicily shines with its sun-drenched white wines: rich, expressive, and infused with the warmth of the Mediterranean.
White wines from France: the fine technique behind every bottle
- Burgundy: the main home of elegant and complex Chardonnay.
- Loire Valley: it’s the Sancerre wine region, producing fresh mineral Sauvignon Blanc.
- Alsace: with aromatic grapes giving life to Riesling and Gewürztraminer
- Bordeaux: complex whites like Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc
German white wine
Here are three picks selected by our team of wine experts:
- Grünlack Riesling Spätlese by Schloss Johannisberg
- Riesling Trocken 2022 by Wittman Westehofener
- Kinheimer Hubertuslay Riesling Auslese 2018 by Markus Molitor
Spanish white wine
Among the most well-known grape varieties are Albariño, Macabeo (Viura), and Garnacha Blanca.
We’ve selected three Spanish white wines you can enjoy on any occasion:
- Albariño 2022 by Pazo de Señorans
- Vina de Martin Os Pasas Blanco 2021 by Luis A. Rodriguez Vazquez
- Verdejo 2021 by Belondrade y Lurton
Exploring white wine varietals and white wine grapes
A single grape can taste completely different depending on where it’s grown. That’s why knowing the main varieties helps you predict flavors, explore new bottles with confidence, and understand what to expect from the most popular white wines.
Here are some of the white wine varietals worth knowing:
Pinot Grigio: the world’s favorite dry white
Sauvignon Blanc: the perfect wine for sunny days
Sauvignon Blanc is a light, fresh, and aromatic wine. Originally from the Loire Valley, it has found notable expressions in California and Australia. It is typically fermented in stainless steel to preserve its vibrant character.
Sauvignon Blanc wines should be enjoyed young to fully appreciate their bright, aromatic qualities, as they generally don’t improve with aging.
Chardonnay: the most served in restaurants
When it comes to the most popular white wine, Chardonnay is a must-mention—one of the most served in restaurants and widely appreciated for its incredible versatility. This inexpensive white wine style varies by region, from France’s elegant expressions to California’s rich, tropical styles.
Curiosity: Chardonnay is often used as the base for Champagne, blended with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Some of the world’s most celebrated sparkling white wines, including Champagne, are primarily made from Chardonnay!
Gewürztraminer: the most fragrant white wine
Gewürztraminer is a high-quality white wine originally from Alsace. Its name comes from the German word “Gewürz,” meaning “spiced”—a nod to its intense and fragrant character, often showing notes of lychee, rose petals, and sweet spices.
If you’re looking for the best white wine to pair with cheese, this one’s a standout. Gewürztraminer is especially delicious alongside bold options like Gorgonzola or Roquefort.
Iconic white wines: building a white wine collection
White wines are often seen as fresh and easy to drink, but many are true collector’s gems. Wine enthusiasts around the world are drawn to these bottles for their elegance, refined character, and exceptional quality.
Just think of Michel-Jack Chasseuil, one of the world’s most renowned collectors, who stores excellent white wine like the legendary Château d’Yquem in his cellar.
So, what makes certain white wines so desirable?
- They come from historic vineyards and prestigious regions, such as Burgundy and Alsace.
- They’re produced in limited quantities, often with traditional, artisanal methods.
- Some have impressive aging potential, developing remarkable complexity over time.
While red wines tend to dominate the world of collectibles, certain whites—like Burgundy Grand Crus or age-worthy Rieslings— command just as much prestige and value.
Mastering white wine serving temperature
You don’t need to be a sommelier to enjoy a bottle at its best—mastering white wine serving temperature is a simple but powerful way to enhance its flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel. And while temperature matters, other elements—like acidity, alcohol level (ABV), and aging potential—play a key role in how a wine tastes and feels.
Recognizing these characteristics makes it easier to pick a good white wine that suits both your palate and the moment. In the chart below, we’ll explore optimal serving temperatures for different white wine styles and share practical advice to help you get the most out of every pour.
| White Wine Nam | ABV | Tannin / Acidity | Aging Potential | Serving Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terlan Pinot Grigio 2018 – Cantina Terlan | 13,5% | High acidity | 8-10 years | 46–50°F |
| Santa Cruz Mountain Chardonnay 2016 – Sarah’s Vineyard | 13,8% | Balanced acidity | Up to 10 years | 50–55°F |
| Trimbach Riesling – Maison Trimbach | 12,5% | High acidity | Over 15 years | 46–50°F |
| Flor de Muga Blanco 2018 – Bodegas Muga | 13,5% | Medium-high acidity | Up to 10 years | 50–54°F |
| Sylvaner Lutzeltal 2018 – Agathe Bursin | 12,5% | High acidity | Up to 5 years | 46–50°F |
| Dry Riesling 2019 – Chateau Ste.Michelle | 12,5% | High acidity | 5 – 8 years | 46–50°F |
How to store white wine?
Any bottle of white wine can stand the test of time — not just because of how it’s made, but also thanks to proper storage. How you store your wine plays a crucial role in preserving its quality and character.
Here are some simple but effective tips on how to store white wine and preserve your bottle after opening, ensuring it ’s integrity and quality:
- Keep it cool: store white wine at a consistent 46–54°F.
- Lay it flat: storing bottles horizontally helps keep the cork moist.
- Control humidity: a relative humidity of 80-85% creates optimal conditions.
- Avoid disturbances: protect wine from light exposure, kitchen heat, and vibrations.
How to choose the best white wine for beginners
Understanding how to choose the best white wine for beginners may seem complicated, but with a few simple tips, it becomes much easier! Let’s start by some recommendations of white wines for beginners from our experts:
- Chardonnay
Body: full-bodied, rich, with buttery texture.
Best for: creamy pasta, lobster, or chicken. - Pinot Grigio
Body: light, refreshing, with crisp acidity.
Best for: light salads, seafood, or antipasti. - Prosecco
- Body: light, bubbly, with bright green apple flavors.
- Best for: appetizers, seafood, or celebrations.
Start with one of these three wines, and you can’t go wrong! To find excellent white wines that suit your taste, simply follow these easy steps:
- Check your label: for light and smooth, go with Pinot Grigio; for a fuller experience, try Chardonnay.
- Sweetness preference: for a touch of sweetness, Moscato d’Asti or Gewürztraminer are excellent choices; for dry, opt for Albariño or Chablis.
- Occasion matters: for casual meals, go with Pinot Grigio or Vermentino. For special dinners or seafood pairings, Sancerre or Bourgogne Blanc are perfect.
- Food pairings: crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc go well with salads or seafood, while Chardonnay or Fiano complement creamy pastas and grilled chicken.
- Explore something new: for a unique twist, try Malvasia from Sardinia or Assyrtiko from Greece for a regional adventure.
With these simple tips, it will be easier to connect with your tastes and find the white wines that are perfect for you. Happy discovering!
Scoring excellence: how white wines are rated
Jancis Robinson and Robert Parker are two of the most influential voices in the wine world—yet their approaches differ notably. Robinson uses a 20-point scale and places strong emphasis on a wine’s future evolution, while Parker’s 100-point system favors boldness and immediate appeal.
Despite these differences, both go far beyond taste in their evaluations. White wines are judged through a combination of:
- Aroma – from subtle florals to vibrant tropical fruits.
- Color – reflecting purity and precise vinification.
- Structure – how the wine moves and lingers on the palate.
- Balance – harmony between acidity, alcohol, sweetness, and body.
- Aging potential – its capacity to gain complexity over time.
But the true soul of a white wine lies in its terroir. Coastal breezes, mountain elevations, and centuries of winemaking tradition all shape what ends up in your glass!
Terroir is the interplay of natural elements and human touch that gives each bottle its identity. From the minerality of a French Sauvignon Blanc to the richness of a California unoaked Chardonnay, the different white wines tell the story of their origin.
FAQs Best white wine bottles
Chardonnay wine is often hailed as one of the best white wines due to its incredible versatility. From crisp and light to rich and full-bodied, it adapts well to various climates and winemaking styles, making it a favorite choice for many wine drinkers, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast.
Some of the most popular white wines, like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio, are celebrated for their refreshing dryness and food-friendly nature. For those drawn to sweeter expressions, Riesling and Muscat Blanc stand out with their floral aromas and natural sweetness. This diversity makes white wine a versatile choice for every taste and moment.
If you’re wondering “does white wine go bad?”—the answer is yes, especially once the bottle is opened. Unopened, white wine can last for 1 to 3 years (or longer for premium varieties), but once opened, it typically stays fresh for only 3 to 5 days. After that, exposure to air leads to oxidation, dulling the flavors and aromas.
Yes, sulfites are naturally present in white wines due to fermentation, and many winemakers also add small amounts to maintain freshness and prevent oxidation. These compounds help preserve the wine’s flavor and stability. If you’re sensitive to sulfites, seek out bottles labeled “low sulfite” or “no added sulfites” for a gentler alternative.
In moderation, drinking white wine can have some health benefits. It contains antioxidants, which may help improve heart health. Research suggests moderate consumption can lower the risk of heart disease. However, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to negative health effects, so it’s important to drink responsibly.
Once opened, a bottle of white wine can last 3–5 days in the fridge, depending on the type of wine and how well it’s sealed. To keep it fresh, use a wine stopper or vacuum-sealed cork. Be sure to refrigerate even red wines that are lighter in style to extend freshness.
Once opened, white wine typically lasts about 3 to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator with the bottle sealed. Lighter wines like Sauvignon Blanc may lose their freshness even faster, while fuller-bodied wines can last longer. A wine stopper or vacuum air pump can help extend its shelf life.
Full bodied white wines are rich, creamy, and have a deeper flavor profile. They tend to have a higher alcohol content and often feature oaked flavors. Wines like oaked Chardonnay or Viognier are great examples, offering a luxurious mouthfeel and a more complex taste that stands up to hearty dishes.
Medium-bodied white wines strike a harmonious middle ground—richer than light wines but without the weight of full-bodied options. They deliver a smooth, rounded texture with moderate alcohol and layered flavors. Varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio showcase bright acidity, subtle fruit, and gentle complexity, making them versatile for food pairings and easy sipping.
Medium-bodied white wines offer a perfect balance, richer than light wines but without the weight of full-bodied options. They provide smooth texture, moderate alcohol, and bright acidity. Varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio bring subtle fruit flavors and gentle complexity, making them ideal for warm weather or casual occasions.
A 5-ounce glass of white wine usually contains between 120 and 130 calories. The exact number can vary based on the wine’s sweetness and alcohol level. Dry wines tend to have fewer calories, while sweeter varieties, such as Moscato or Riesling, can have more due to the added sugar content.
White wine presents a diverse spectrum of flavors based on the variety. It can range from light and dry with hints of citrus, green apple, or floral notes to rich and full-bodied with buttery, oaky, or tropical fruit undertones. Its flavor profile is shaped by factors like grape variety, region, and winemaking techniques.
White wine usually has between 0 and 3 grams of sugar per glass for dry varieties, depending on the specific style. Sweeter wines such as Moscato or Riesling can contain more, sometimes surpassing 5 grams per glass. The sugar content is influenced by the fermentation process, with dry wines having the lowest levels.