Best white wine selections for 2025

Top 10 white wine bottles to try in 2025

What is white wine and how is it made?

The production process of white wine is typically very careful and divided into three key phases:

1. Crushing: the grapes are gently pressed to extract the juice.
2. Clarification: the juice is clarified to prevent the natural pigments from coloring the wine.
3. Fermentation: usually done in stainless steel tanks to lock in crisp acidity and enhance freshness.

Some versions of dry white wines are fermented and aged in steel to preserve bright and zesty flavors while sweeter varieties are aged in oak barrels to enhance finish and complexity. Both the aging process and winemaking style play a crucial role in defining the wine’s final taste.

Among the best grape varieties used to produce white wine are:

Each grape brings unique aromas which may include citrus, green apple, floral tones or mineral nuances making every variety diverse and expressive.

When comparing red vs white wine, the main difference start  in the production process:

• Red wine is made by fermenting grape juice together with the skins to extract colors, tannins and complex flavors.
• White wines are typically made from white grapes with the skins separated from the juice immediately after pressing. This early separation results in a lighter color and a fresher flavor profile.

Types of white wine: the role of body and sweetness

Different types of white wine correspond to a wide variety of styles each influenced by grape variety, acidity and region where they’re produced. However, three key elements amongst these influences stand out:

1. Body: represents how heavy or light it feels on the palate.
2. Sweetness: represents the level of residual sugar present in the wine which ranges from dry to sweet.
3. Production style: including wine making methods and other factors such as aging or carbonation.

Together, these characteristics determine the wine’s overall flavor profile, its level of freshness and how well it pairs with different foods. Understanding how body, sweetness and production influence the different white wine types makes it easier to select the right wine for any occasion.

Light, medium or full: discovering white wine by body

In wine tasting, body refers to the weight and texture a wine creates on your palate. Just like red wines, the body of each white wine varietal is shaped by the grape variety, alcohol content, aging and other factors related to the production method.

White wines generally fall into three main body categories:

• Light bodied: crisp, fresh and delicate in texture.
• Medium bodied: well balanced with moderate alcohol and acidity.
• Full bodied: rich and complex often aged in oak for added depth.

Tip for beginners: if a white wine feels like dancing on your tongue, it’s likely light bodied; if it lingers and feels more rounded it’s probably medium or full bodied!

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, rounder texture with higher alcohol, flavors of dry fruits, butter, vanilla and spice

Light bodied white wine

Light bodied white wines usually have lower alcohol content, minimal tannins and crisp acidity. They tend to be fresh with vibrant flavors of citrus, green apple or melon. These wines pair well with light dishes such as salads, seafood or served on their own as a refreshing aperitif.

Medium bodied white wine 

Medium bodied white wines offer a harmonious balance of texture, acidity and alcohol. They provide more depth and richness than lighter wines without being overly rich. These wines pair wonderfully with pasta, seafood, cheese and many other dishes.

Full bodied white wines  

Full bodied white wines are rich, intense and often shaped by oak aging. Their higher alcohol content supports bold flavors of ripe fruit, spice and rounded texture. They pair perfectly with hearty dishes, aged cheese or creamy sauces while their depth also gives them strong aging potential.

3 Crisp white wines to try

Crisp white wines are known for their vibrant acidity, fresh fruit flavors, and refreshing, clean finish. With their zesty, light characteristics, they are perfect for warm weather, light dishes, and casual sipping.

Here are our top 3 crisp white wine recommendations:

1. OKE Sauvignon Blanc by Te Pā Wines (New Zealand) — Zesty citrus and green apple.
2. Jesera Pinot Grigio by Venica and Venica (Italy) — Crisp and light with pear and lime notes.
3. Leirana Albariño by Forjas del Salnes (Spain) — Bright acidity and citrus zest.

Serving tips: these wines pair beautifully with goat cheese or a fresh herb salad. Serve well-chilled at around 46-50°F.

How to classify white wine by sweetness level

White wine can range from bone dry to lusciously sweet with varying levels determined by the amount of residual sugar left after fermentation. Here’s a look at the classification system used to describe white wine sweetness:

• Dry: crisp and clean on the palate taste minimal sweetness (common examples of dry white wine are Pinot Grigio and Cardonnay).
• Semi dry: retains a gentle hing of sweetness balanced by acidy and delicate fruit notes (examples include Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc). 
• Off dry: slightly sweet with a noticeable fruity character (e.g. Riesling and Gewürztraminer).
• Sweet: pronounced sweetness often accompanied by rich ripe fruit flavors (e.g. Sauternes).

Here’s a look at white wine styles across the sweetness spectrum to  enjoy at every stage of the scale.

Sweetness	Top Pick	Common Varietals
Dry	Tramin Unterebner Pinot Grigio 2022	Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay
Semi dry	Sauvignon Blanc by Cloudy Bay	Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc
Off dry	Gewürztraminer by Trimbach	Gewürztraminer, Riesling
Sweet	Moscato d’Asti by Vietti	Moscato, Sauternes

Non alcoholic white wine

One of the most important innovations in the world of oenology is undoubtedly the development non alcoholic white wine. Thanks to reverse osmosis producers can separate the alcohol from the wine while preserving its original structure and aromas. 

Spumante is regarded as the best non alcoholic white wine but there are other excellent options that will surprise you with their authentic taste. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Prima Pave Blanc de Blancs: a refined, alcohol free sparkling white wine.
   Food pairing suggestion: Sushi, roasted chicken or mild goat cheese.
2. Josef Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Chardonnay: a smooth and crisp non alcoholic Chardonnay.
   Food pairing suggestion: light salads, grilled vegetables, seafood. 
3. 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 to pair like a pro

Finding the perfect white wine food pairing can transform any meal into a memorable experience. White wines offer endless pairing possibilities due to their varied profiles ranging from crisp and zesty to rich and smooth.

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

Although the United States is known for its red wines, white wine production is rapidly growing. California white wine is the leading category with Chardonnay accounting for 20% of white wine production in the USA.

The Napa Valley and Sonoma regions are famous for their rich and balanced whites offering both fruity expressions and fuller, buttery styles. Washington and New York’s Finger Lakes regions are also gaining recognition with fresh and mineral Rieslings. In recent years, many California wine makers have been crafting fresher unoaked Chardonnay, drawing inspiration from the refined 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

White wines from Italy often derive from indigenous grape varieties that define the country’s wine making identity. Each region offers its own expression of climate, soil and tradition resulting in a remarkable diversity. Let’s explore the most important ones:

• Alto Adige undoubtedly stands out as the most renowned region for its fresh elegant and aromatic whites.
• Lombardy stands out for its premium traditional method Franciacorta, fiercely competing with the best Champagne styles.
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia is celebrated for its refined and mineral driven white wines often featuring crisp acidity and delicate floral notes.
• Veneto delivers internationally acclaimed styles, including Prosecco from Glera grapes.
• Sardinia offers distinctive varietals like Vermentino bringing into the glass herbal aromas and a refreshing saline edge from its coastal vineyards.
• Sicily shines with its sun drenched white wines that are rich, expressive and infused with the warmth of the Mediterranean.

White wines from France: the fine technique behind every bottle

French wine makers undoubtedly take the top spot crafting the world’s finest white wines! France’s wine regions offer elegant, premium elegant whites with unique characteristics. Here are just a few examples:

• Burgundy: is the main home of elegant and complex Chardonnay.
• Champagne: stands apart with its prestigious sparkling wines crafted through the meticulous traditional method resulting in unmatched finesse and longevity.
• Loire Valley: it’s the Sancerre wine region, producing fresh mineral wines from Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
• Alsace: shines with aromatic grapes giving life to Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
• Bordeaux: is the region of complex whites like Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

German white wine

Just like in the rest of Europe, German white wine is highly regarded for balance, freshness and impressive aging potential.

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

Spain is the third largest wine producer in Europe together with Italy and France. While red wine dominates in volume, Spanish white wine is widely recognized and appreciated for its freshness, acidity and bold character. 
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

Choosing between different kinds of white wine with so many styles, labels and regions to choose comes down to getting familiar with the white wine grapes themselves!

A single grape can taste completely different depending on where it’s grown and the wine maker’s production method. Learning the main varieties helps you anticipate the flavors in your glass but also gives you confidence to explore new bottles with confidence.

Here are some of the white wine varietals used to produce the most popular white wines:

Pinot Grigio: the world’s favorite dry white

Italian Pinot Grigio is one of the most beloved white wines, known for its freshness and versatility. Although its roots lie in the Italian peninsula, it is now grown in wine regions around the world. A natural mutation of Pinot Noir, this variety is recognizable by its bluish gray skin and pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes such as fresh seafood or light pasta.

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 popular white wine

Chardonnay is certainly the most popular white wine: served in almost every restaurant is widely appreciated for its incredible versatility. Chardonnay comes in different versions and price ranges, it can be expensive but also the most inexpensive white wine.

Curiosity: Chardonnay is often used as the base for Champagne, blended with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Together with Champagne, some of the world’s most celebrated sparkling white wines are primarily made from Chardonnay!

Gewürztraminer: the most fragrant white wine

Gewürztraminer is a high quality white wine originally from Alsace, though it is cultivated also in other wine regions as Italy and France. Its name comes from the German word “Gewürz” meaning “spiced”, a fitting reference to its intensely aromatic profile marked by notes of lychee, rose petals and sweet spices.

If you’re looking for the best white wine to pair with cheese Gewürztraminer is a standout, especially alongside bold options like Gorgonzola or Roquefort.

Gewürztraminer White Wine	Flavor	Body & Structure
Clos Gaensbroennel Gewürztraminer 2019 – Willm (France)	Floral notes (rose) and spices (pepper)	Medium bodied, low tannins
Gewürztraminer 2021- Cantina Terlan (Italy)	Rose, passion fruit and hints of other tropical fruit	Medium bodied, low tannins
Kolbenhof Gewürztraminer 2013 – J. Hofstätter	Ripe apricot and peach intermingled with exotic fruits	Full bodied, low tannins
Gewürztraminer Estate Vineyard – Gundlach Bundschu (California)	Fresh jasmine blossoms, lychee and Asian pears	Medium bodied, low tannins

Iconic white wines: building a white wine collection

White wines are often seen as fresh and easy to drink but many are also true collector’s gems. Take Michel-Jack Chasseuil, one of the world’s most renowned collectors, whose cellar stores excellent white wine including legendary Château d’Yquem, whose 1811 rare vintage sold at auction for about $117’000, remaining one of the most expensive white wines ever sold.

But what makes certain white wines so irresistible to collectors? Let’s see some of the key factors:

• They come from historic vineyards in prestigious regions such as  Burgundy and Alsace.
• Production is limited often with traditional and artisanal methods passed down for generations.
• They are made to age gracefully developing layers of depth and complexity over time.

Though red wines dominate the world of collectibles, certain whites like Burgundy Grand Crus or Rieslings can rival them in 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 the simplest yet most effective way to enhance its flavor, aroma and texture. Along with temperature other elements like acidity, alcohol level (ABV) and aging potential play a key role in how a wine tastes and feels.

Understanding these elements makes it easier to pick a good white wine that suits your preferences and the occasion. In the chart below, we’ll explore optimal serving temperatures for different white wine styles and share practical advice to help you enjoy a glass at its fullest.

White Wine Bottle	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?

A bottle of white wine can stand the test of time only if properly stored; in fact, only well preserved bottles ensure that the quality and character of a wine develops properly over time.

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

If you are a beginner, choosing a good bottle can be intimidating but with a few practical tips the task becomes easy and pleasurable! We have selected some approachable choices of white wines for beginners that make an ideal introduction to the rich world of whites:

1. Chardonnay
   Body: full-bodied, rich with buttery texture.
   Best for: creamy pasta, lobster or chicken.
2. Pinot Grigio
   Body: light, refreshing, with crisp acidity.
   Best for: light salads, seafood or antipasti.
3. 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 other excellent white wines that suit your taste simply follow these easy steps:

• For light and smooth go with Pinot Grigio; for a fuller experience try Chardonnay.
• Sweetness preference: for a touch of sweetness Gewürztraminer is an excellent choice; for dry options choose Albariño or Chablis.
• For casual meals go with Pinot Grigio or Vermentino. For special dinners or seafood pairings Sancerre or Bourgogne Blanc are perfect.
• Crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc go well with salads or seafood, while Chardonnay or Fiano complement creamy pastas and grilled chicken.

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: is the range and definition of scents that a wine presents, may include floral blossoms, ripe fruits, tropical tones or subtle mineral accents .
• Color: is the visual clarity, brightness and hue of the wine, reflecting purity and precise vinification.
• Structure: is the wine’s presence in the mouth, how it moves and lingers on the palate.
• Balance: is the harmony between acidity, alcohol, sweetness and body.
• Aging potential: is the wine’s capacity to gain complexity, depth and elegance over time.

The highest rated white wines are those in which these qualities come together to express a distinct sense of place. Coastal breezes, mountain elevations and centuries of winemaking tradition all constitute a wine’s terroir and shape what ends up in your glass!

Terroir is the interplay of natural elements and human touch that gives each bottle its identity.