White Wines

Of course, there’s no such thing as a “white” wine. Instead, this category includes the range of yellow, golden wines that are either made from the grape juice and grape skin of green, gold or yellowish colored grapes or in some cases from just the juice part (not the skin) of red grapes. Among the many popular white wine varietals are: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.

CHARDONNAY - FULL & FRUITY

The Chardonnay (SHAR-doh-Nay) grape hails from France’s famed Burgundy region. Today, this popular variety is the most widely planted white wine grape in California. Medium- to full-bodied, Chardonnay boasts a balanced, smooth, easygoing taste. Known for its rich, warm “mouth-feel,” it’s tough to find one among this variety that offends, even if some find the bouquet a bit strong.

This fruity white features aromas and flavors that include green apple, pear, lemon, citrus, fig, pineapple, melon, and honey. Aged in oak barrels, Chardonnays often reveal hints of toasty vanilla and butterscotch.

Chardonnay’s complex tastes may be laid-back, but they’re hardly lost in a crowd. Try it with lighter dishes like cheese plates, grilled chicken, or simply prepared seafood.

PINOT GRIGIO - LIGHT & LIVELY

Pinot Grigio (PEE-noh GREE-gee-oh), literally “gray pinot”, is Italian for its French namesake, Pinot Gris (same grape as Pinot Grigio), and is to be distinguished from its darker-hued cousin, Pinot Noir (or “black pinot”). Pinot Grigio grapes range in color from grayish-purple to copper, but the wine is unmistakably a white. The trick? During the winemaking process, clear juice is immediately separated from the colorful skins and fermented slowly at cool temperatures. This light, refreshing wine migrated here from France via northern Italy, and now thrives in California as well.

Californian Pinot Grigio bursts with fruit, white flowers, and spice. These refreshing flavors, along with the wine’s mild “mouth-feel” have earned it wide appeal.

Pinot Grigio’s crisp character makes it versatile for food pairing, particularly with pasta salads or citrusy dishes like lemon chicken.

RIESLING - LIGHT & LIVELY

Riesling (REEZ-ling) has been harvested in Germany for centuries as a dry, oaky wine. Today, many Riesling styles are sweeter and more delicate than their predecessors—they thrive in the cooler regions of California, Oregon, Washington, and New York. The Riesling grape’s significant acidity at fairly high sugar levels makes for a distinctively sweet and refreshing wine. This unique chemical balance also helps.

Rieslings age gracefully. Favors range from raspberry to peach to tangerine, and aromas suggest flowers and spice.

Rieslings pair wonderfully with spicy Asian cuisine, salads, and light appetizers.

SAUVIGNON BLANC- LIGHT & LIVELY

Sauvignon Blanc (SOH-vin-yon BLONK), first harvested in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, has long contributed to some of France’s finest wines. Now, Sauvignon Blanc is widely grown in California, New Zealand, and South Africa, as well. Sauvignon Blanc is made in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels, depending on the desired wine style. We make Robert Mondavi Private Selection Sauvignon Blanc in stainless steel tanks to retain crisp acidity and bright fruit character. On the other hand, we age our Sauvignon Blanc made from the same grape!-in oak barrels to enhance a different set of flavors.

Fans of this refreshing light to medium-bodied variety enjoy its flinty, spicy essences, crisp acidity, and notes of tropical fruit, grass, melon, bell pepper, and oak.

An edgy alternative to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp character makes it highly versatile for food pairing, complementing shellfish, sushi, chicken and much more.