California has established a worldwide reputation for its outstanding white wines. Blessed with warm weather, abundant sunshine and favorable climatic conditions, California enjoys an endless summer vibe. The summery bliss is passed on to the spectacular variety of grapes that produce some of the world’s best wines, especially the fine varieties of white wines. California’s grapes have produced wines that have put the state’s vinous reputation to a level that rivals those of classic European regions with legendary winemaking history and experience.
California’s prime varietal, when it comes to finest white wines is Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris or Grigio. There are also names such as Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Viognier among many others that are slowly making a name for themselves. All of these white wines bring something different and delicious to the table.
White wines in California are no longer just known as a summertime drink. The wines are versatile enough to sip all year round when paired with the right dish. From renowned wine brands to innovative winemakers, there’s plenty to explore and experience across these classic wines. California’s white wines can be summed up by the famous Irish Novelist James Joyce’s saying: “White wine is like electricity.” Before you choose your favorite white wine, take a detailed look at the wine varieties. Trust us, there’s something for every wine lover.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay wines from California range from dry to rather sweet taste and tend to be full-bodied. Chardonnay is named among the top white wines in the world, much loved by wine enthusiasts. It usually has some smoky aromas and flavors that come from oak exposure in the storing process. This particular white wine is rich in fruit aromas and flavors that include citrus fruit (especially lemon), apple, and tropical fruits such as mango or pineapple. Sometimes the aromas and flavors of Chardonnay white wines suggest a hint of butter, vanilla, butterscotch, or caramel. These particular nuances come from oak or the winemaking processes and not from the grapes.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc wines are crisper than Chardonnay white wines as they tend to be medium-bodied rather than full-bodied. Sauvignon Blanc white wines have more pronounced fruit flavors, which include citrus, pear, or passion fruit. These white wines also have herbal or vegetal aromas and faint flavors, such as green peppers or mowed grass. As many Sauvignon Blanc wines are made without any use of oak, therefore they do not have the toasty, smoky, vanilla-like aromas and flavors of Chardonnay.
Sauvignon Blanc wines vary considerably based on the region of the grapes, how ripe the grapes get before being harvested, how the winemaker chooses to vinify the juice, and how the wine is aged.
Pinot Grigio/Gris
California’s Pinot Gris is quite different from its Italian versions. The Italian white wine is known as Pinot Grigio. It has a different taste in comparison with the fruitier in flavor and less crisp wine of California. Sometimes when a winery in California names the wine Pinot Gris and not Pinot Grigio, it means a fuller-bodied, more flavorful style of wine.
Pinot Gris white wines display lively aromatics, delicate texture and sheer personality, all in balance. Through and through this white wine is a beautiful, refreshing drink of tangy acidity.
Riesling
Riesling white wines from California appeal even to wine drinkers who are not in favor of truly dry wines. The white Riesling grape variety produces some fairly sweet wine. The white wines are dry to medium-dry and unoaked. They have rich fruity aromas and flavors of peach, citrus, apricot, melon, apple, and so forth. The best Riesling wines are produced in the cooler regions of California such as Mendocino County, Monterey County, and cool sections of Napa Valley.
Pinot Blanc
California proudly produces a few very fine wines from the white Pinot Blanc grape. This means that Pinot Blanc white wines are carefully curated by wine experts. These wines are dry, fairly full-bodied and unoaked and in a few cases gently oak-influenced. Pinot Blanc generally exhibits notes of citrus, pear, apple, and occasional smoke or mineral undertones. The sharp-tasting, refreshing wines are well known for being diverse in flavor and style. Interestingly, a glass of Pinot Blanc is a great match for both hot and cold appetizers.
Chenin Blanc
Named as one of the world’s classic white wine grapes, Chenin Blanc has a rare taste. The wines generally range from medium-dry to medium-sweet and are fairly full-bodied, with a rich texture. The aromatic white wine boasts of honeysuckle, orange blossoms, ruby grapefruit and white peach. A drink of Chenin Blanc exhibits refreshing acidity and flavors of ginger, tangerine, lemongrass, white peach and green apple and a lingering hint of lime.
Besides these popular white wines, there are many other names. So, now you have the details of some of the best-selling white wines from California. Get ready to explore the fine flavors of the best white wines.
At Bottle Barn, explore a curated collection of white wines, some of the finest from California’s vineyards as well as others from different parts of the world. You don't have to travel far if you want smooth, refreshing white wines, just visit the Bottle Barn wine store in Santa Rosa, California for a multitude of options. You can also browse through our website for online orders with delivery right at your doorstep.
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