Albariño, Cortese & Pinot Grigio

It is probably no surprise that white wine is made from what is referred to (in the wine industry) as white grapes. The skins of white grapes are primarily green, however, the juice of wine grapes is clear. In fact, most wine grapes, black, white or red can be used to make white wine from the clear juices, although it is not typical for white wines to be made with other color grapes.

Just as Tannins are important to the character of red wine, Acidity is important to the character of white wine. Acidity gives white wine its bright crispness. Don't be confused by the word Acid. Your wine isn't going to taste like vinegar (unless it went bad). The Acidity is wine is a fruit acid, more like what you would expect in a citrus fruit (i.e. lemon) or a green apple.

Wine makers have a few methods they can employ to balance out the inherent acidity levels in white wine. One method used, and most obvious, it to leave some residual sugar in the wine to offset the sourness of the acid. Residual sugars can lead to wines that range from off-dry to sweet. Another commonly used method is a secondary fermentation process called Malolactic Fermentation, a.k.a. MLF, that converts the harsh malic acid into the mellower lactic acid.

When you are ready to venture beyond Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, here are some other white wines with their respective aroma/flavor profiles. The overlapping aromas and flavors of these whites make them a universal hit with white wine drinkers.

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Albariño (Al-ba-reen-yow)

Grown close to the Atlantic ocean in Spain, this white varietal takes on a slight sea salt aroma and flavor, which compliments the juiciness of stone-fruits like apricot and peach, along with the bright acidity of citrus of grapefruit, lemon zest. Albariño can also take on notes of honeydew melon, honey and almonds.

Try this wine you are a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling drinker.

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Cortese (Kor-tay-zay)

This white varietal which is predominantly grown in the Piedmont area of Italy known for pronounced lime and honeysuckle aromas. It is a light bodied wine with medium acidity, characterized by apple, lime, minerality and herbal qualities. Look for labels that say Gavi or Gavi di Gavi, those will high percentages of Cortese, even up to 100% for Gavi DOCG. If you like bubbles, scout for labels that say Frizzante or Spumante.

Try this wine you are a Chardonnay drinker, especially if you are unoaked Chardonnay fan.

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Pinot Grigio (Pee-noh Gree-jhee-oh)

This white varietal originated in France (known as Pinot Gris), but has become a major varietal in Italy. Known for it subtle flavors of citrus, apples and stone fruits, Pinot Grigio makes for an easy drinking wine. It may be difficult to indentify individual flavors in a Pinot Grigio because it is simultenously subtle and complex. Depending on winemaking process and the area from which it comes, it can have floral and ginger notes as well as layers of minerality.

Enjoy these wines young. No need to wait to drink these.

Italy has many affordable wines and Pinot Grigio is no exception. You will be able to find many good examples of Pinot Grigio in the $10-$15 price range.

Try this wine you are a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc drinker.