Discover the best white wine at Ritschard Wines: quality and variety for every taste
What are white wines?
White wines have been a staple of the wine world for centuries, offering an impressive variety that ranges from light and sparkling to complex and full-bodied styles. White wine lovers appreciate the wide range of aromas and flavours that these wines offer. The colour of a white wine can vary from pale lemon to deep gold, depending on the grape variety, vintage and winemaking method.
The diversity of white wines is reflected not only in their colour, which ranges from light yellow to golden, but also in their aromas and flavours, which can vary from fruity and floral to mineral and buttery. In addition, white wines can be made from both white and red grapes.
Definition and history of white wines
The first evidence of white wine cultivation comes from grape seed finds believed to have originated between Damascus and the Black Sea coast. For a long time, it was assumed that white wine cultivation in Europe began around 1000 BC. However, recent discoveries in present-day Iraq and Georgia suggest that white wine was already being produced around 5000 BC. The history of white wine goes back to ancient times, when many cultures considered it to be the drink of the gods.
It is thought that white wine was produced later than red wine, as the production process is more complicated and the grape varieties needed were not cultivated until later. The spread of viticulture in Europe was greatly encouraged by the Romans and, from the Middle Ages onwards, by monasteries. Thanks to climatic changes from the 12th century onwards, monasteries were able to produce white wine on a larger scale. At that time, however, wine was classified only by colour (white, red or black) and two quality levels (Hunnish or French wine), and the grape varieties were often grown in mixed form, making the colour and taste of the wine unpredictable.
White wine received significant recognition in 1478, when Pope Sixtus IV officially recognised it as a wine for use in the mass. Today, white wine is consumed more widely than red wine worldwide and is available in numerous grape varieties, from regional specialities to varieties that are grown across the globe, which are popular with both winemakers and consumers due to their adaptability.
The production of white wine
The vinification of white wines is a complex process that begins with the careful selection of the grapes. These must be harvested at the optimum time to achieve the right balance of sugar and acidity. The grapes are then pressed, separating the clear juice from the skins to achieve the desired colour and clarity.
The various vinification methods play a crucial role in the production of white wine. Fermentation is carried out at controlled temperatures to preserve delicate flavours. Some white wines undergo malolactic fermentation, which reduces acidity and produces creamy textures and buttery flavours, especially in Chardonnays. Maturation can take place in stainless steel tanks or in oak barrels, with the latter adding complexity and structure to the wine.
Certifications such as organic or sustainability labels are playing an increasingly important role today, reflecting a growing awareness of environmentally friendly viticulture. Modern techniques on the one hand and traditional methods on the other are combined to produce wines of the highest quality that authentically reflect the terroir and grape variety.
The aromas and flavours of white wine
The world of white wines offers an impressive range of flavours, from light and fresh to rich and complex. For example, a Pinot Grigio can impress with its light structure and notes of green apple and lemon, while an aged Chardonnay from Burgundy can win you over with buttery, nutty and vanilla aromas.
Acidity plays a crucial role in the freshness and liveliness of the wine. High acidity gives the wine structure and ensures a long finish, while low acidity results in softer and rounder wines.
Additional factors such as residual sugar and alcohol content also influence flavour and mouthfeel. For example, a Riesling can range from dry to sweet, depending on the residual sugar content, offering a wide range of flavours from crisp green fruits to honeyed notes.
Fruity white wines
Wine character Fruity white wines are known for their aromas of citrus fruits, green apples and other fruits. They are often light and fresh and go very well with salads, poultry, fish dishes or steamed dishes.
Floral white wines
Floral white wines often have aromas of flowers and herbs. They are known as complex and aromatic wines that go well with cheese and fruity desserts.
Mineral white wines
Wine tasting of these white wines reveals their aromas of minerals and rocks. Similar to floral white wines, they are often complex and very aromatic. These wines are ideal companions for fish dishes and salads.
Creamy/buttery white wines
Wine texture is an important aspect of creamy/buttery white wines, which are complex and aromatic and appeal for their creamy texture and aromas of vanilla and butter.
Spicy white wines
These wines will delight all lovers of wines with an aromatic interplay of spices and herbs. They are usually complex and aromatically layered, and go very well with typical white wine dishes such as fish, salads and poultry.
Variety of white wines: grape varieties and growing regions
The most important grape varieties for white wines
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most widely grown white wine grape varieties in the world and offers a wide range of styles. From the mineral-driven Chardonnays of Burgundy to the buttery, oak-aged versions of California, this grape variety shows impressive adaptability. The flavours range from green apples and citrus fruits to tropical fruits, depending on the climate and vinification.
Riesling
Wine lovers appreciate Riesling as one of the noblest white wine grape varieties, which is particularly widespread in Germany and Austria. Riesling wines are characterised by their high acidity and pronounced aromas, which can include notes of green apple, citrus fruits and sometimes petrol. The acidity gives Riesling a remarkable freshness and longevity, making it suitable for both young and aged wines.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is known for its fresh and aromatic wines with high acidity and intense aromas of grass, gooseberry and exotic fruits. This grape variety can be found in many regions of the wine world, including France, New Zealand and South Africa. Particularly noteworthy are the Sauvignon Blancs from the Loire region and Marlborough, which impress with their lively freshness and complexity.
Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner is the flagship of Austrian white wines and offers a unique combination of pepper spice, citrus fruits and mineral notes. With its refreshing acidity and ability to produce both simple and complex wines, Grüner Veltliner has earned a firm place in the international wine world.
Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris
Pinot Grigio, also known as Grauburgunder, originated in France but has become especially popular in Italy. The wines are usually light, dry and have aromas of green apples, pears and citrus fruits. Pinot Grigios from the Veneto region are particularly well known for their accessibility and freshness.
Chenin blanc
Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape variety that produces a wide range of wine styles when made into wine, from dry to sweet and even sparkling. Originally from the Loire region in France, Chenin Blanc has also become very important in South Africa. The wines are characterised by their high acidity and complex aromas of honey, quince and floral notes.
Garnacha Blanca
Winegrowers in Spain and the south of France cultivate Garnacha Blanca, the white variety of the well-known Garnacha grape. The wines are often full-bodied with medium acidity and show aromas of ripe fruit, flowers and sometimes nutty notes. In regions such as Priorat and Terra Alta, Garnacha Blanca is used to produce remarkable white wines with great ageing potential.
Major international white wine regions
White wines from Burgundy, France
Burgundy is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world and is known for its exquisite Chardonnay wines. Regions such as Chablis and Côte de Beaune produce some of the finest white wines, characterised by their minerality, elegance and complexity. Wineries such as Louis Jadot set the standard for quality and tradition here.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France
Châteauneuf du Pape is a well-known wine-growing region that is particularly famous for its reds, but it also produces remarkable whites. These wines are often rich and complex, made from a blend of grape varieties such as Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Clairette. They offer a unique aromatic richness with notes of white flowers, honey and exotic fruits.
Italian white wines
Italy is one of Europe's largest wine-producing countries and is known for its enormous wine diversity, including an impressive selection of white wines.
- Friuli-Venezia Giulia: This region in north-eastern Italy is famous for its Pinot Grigio wines, which are light, refreshing and of high quality.
- Tuscany: Although Tuscany is better known for its reds, it also produces white wines, often made from the Vermentino grape variety, which impress with their freshness and minerality.
White wines from Spain
Spain offers an impressive variety of white wines from different wine regions, ranging from fresh and light to complex and full-bodied.
- Rías Baixas: This region in Galicia is known for its Albariño, a white wine with high acidity and aromas of citrus fruits and peach.
- Rioja: Known for its reds, the region also produces excellent whites, often from the Viura or Garnacha Blanca grape varieties.
Wineries such as Enate and Finca are producing innovative products and setting new trends in the Spanish white wine assortment.
White wines from Switzerland
Swiss white wines are known for their quality and diversity, especially those from Valais, the country's most important wine region, which is famous for its viticulture. Diego Mathier, a renowned winemaker from Salgesch in Valais, produces some of Switzerland's best white wines. He specialises in varieties such as Fendant (Chasselas) and Petite Arvine, which are typical of the region.
Diego Mathier's Fendant is characterised by its fresh acidity and notes of citrus fruits and minerality, making it the perfect accompaniment to cheese fondue or raclette. The Petite Arvine, on the other hand, is complex with aromas of rhubarb, grapefruit and a subtle salty note. Both wines reflect the terroir of Valais and have won numerous awards. Mathier has been named Winemaker of the Year several times and his wines are among the best in Switzerland.
White wines from Vinho Verde, Portugal
The Vinho Verde wine region in northern Portugal is known for its light, crisp and refreshing white wines. These wines are characterised by their low alcohol content, lively acidity and aromas of green fruits and citrus. Perfect for warm summer days and as an accompaniment to light dishes and seafood.
White wines from South Africa
South African wine-growing regions have established themselves as major producers of high-quality white wines in recent decades. Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc in particular thrive here, producing wines with intense fruit flavours and lively acidity. Wineries such as Ojo de Agua and Charles Smith are contributing to the growing reputation of South African viticulture.
New World white wines: innovation and quality
The wines of the so-called ‘New World’ – including countries such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa – offer wine innovations and high-quality white wines.
- California: particularly known for its Chardonnay wines, which are often aged in oak barrels to develop rich, buttery flavours.
- New Zealand: The Sauvignon Blanc wines from Marlborough are world-famous for their intense aromas of gooseberry and tropical fruits.
- South Africa: South Africa produces both fresh, acidic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and full-bodied Chenin Blanc wines.
White wine and food
What food goes well with a good white wine?
The right wine pairing of white wine and food can take the culinary experience to a new level. Here are some classic pairings:
- Sauvignon Blanc goes well with seafood such as oysters and grilled fish, as well as with green salads and goat's cheese. The lively acidity and grassy aromas complement these dishes perfectly.
- Chardonnay, especially the oak-aged varieties, goes well with creamy dishes, poultry and grilled vegetables. The richness and complexity of the wine beautifully complement rich foods.
- Due to its versatility, Riesling is an excellent companion to Asian dishes, spicy foods and even desserts. The balance of sweetness and acidity allows for a wide range of combinations.
- Grüner Veltliner is ideal with light dishes such as sushi, asparagus and light fish dishes. The peppery and citrusy aromas of the wine emphasise the delicacy of these dishes.
- Vinho Verde is the perfect summer wine and is an excellent accompaniment to light salads, grilled fish and seafood. Its tangy, refreshing character makes it the ideal aperitif on warm days.
Which white wine glasses to use?
For most white wines, it is recommended to use wine glasses such as a small white wine glass. A small white wine glass concentrates the aroma of the wine and emphasises its flavours. There are also special glasses for certain grape varieties, such as a Riesling glass.
Should white wine be chilled?
Yes, white wine should always be cooled in a wine cooler. The optimal drinking temperature for white wine is between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius. A chilled white wine tastes fresher and more aromatic. If white wine is served too warm, the taste of alcohol can come to the fore along with an unpleasant bitter note and an oily taste.
Storing and drinking white wine
Wine storage is crucial if an opened bottle of white wine is to be drunk within one to two days. A white wine that has been open for more than two days may lose its aromas and flavours.
Some white wines can be stored to improve their aromas and flavours. White wines that should be stored are often complex and aromatic.
The optimal drinking temperature for white wine is between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius. A chilled white wine tastes fresher and more aromatic. The drinking temperature can vary depending on the grape variety and growing region.
Famous names in the world of white wine
Some wine personalities and wineries have made a name for themselves worldwide and stand for outstanding quality and exceptional wines.
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Although this region of France is better known for its reds, it also produces impressive whites that are characterised by their complexity and depth.
- Famille Perrin: This renowned winery in the southern Rhône region produces some of the best white wines in France, including white Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
- Marqués de Riscal: A Spanish winery known for its high-quality wines, including excellent whites made from native Spanish grape varieties.
- Enate: This Spanish winery has built a reputation for producing modern, high-quality wines that have won acclaim in Spain and internationally.
- Louis Jadot: A famous Burgundy winery that has been producing world-class wines for over 150 years. Their Chardonnays are known worldwide for their elegance and depth.
- Charles Smith: A US winemaker known for his unconventional methods and characterful wines. His white wines are often aromatic and approachable.
- Ojo de Agua: An Argentinian winery founded by Swiss musician Dieter Meier, known for biodynamic viticulture and high quality.
- Azienda Agricola: Italian wineries, often producing excellent Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc wines, appreciated worldwide.
Rating white wines: expert opinions
Ratings of white wines by renowned wine experts are a valuable guide when choosing and evaluating wines. Ultimately, however, it is always your own individual taste and preferences that should determine which wine you buy.
James Suckling is one of the world's most influential wine critics. His ratings and detailed tasting notes offer deep insights into the quality and character of a wine. A high Suckling score can be an indicator of an outstanding white wine.
Jancis Robinson is a highly regarded wine author and critic, known for her extensive knowledge and precise analyses. Her ratings often emphasise the typicity and terroir of a wine, thus providing a sound basis for wine lovers and professionals alike.
Gambero Rosso is a leading Italian wine guide that annually awards the best Italian wines. The famous ‘Tre Bicchieri’ (three glasses) are a coveted award given only to the best wines. A white wine with this award stands for the highest quality and authenticity.
Frequently asked questions and their answers about white wine
What types of white wine are there?
These include grape varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Elbling, Blaufränkisch, Colombard, Bourboulenc, Furmint, Silvaner and Xinomavro. Other important white grape varieties are Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chasselas and Muscat Blanc.
What is the difference between white wine and red wine?
The main difference in the production of red and white wine is that the skins and seeds of the grapes remain in contact with the must when making red wine, whereas they are removed when making white wine.
Is drinking white wine healthy?
Its blood flow-boosting effect can protect against cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and even have a positive influence on mental health. But that's not all. In the ‘Wine Blast’ podcast, Spector also mentioned that wine can support intestinal health and promote the growth of ‘good’ bacteria in the body.
Which is the most popular Swiss white wine?
Chasselas is the most widely grown white wine variety in Switzerland and is therefore one of the most well-known white grape varieties, along with Sylvaner, Pinot Gris, Riesling-Silvaner and Completer.