Dry white wines are very underestimated! Think about it:
When was the last time you searched for different white wine grapes to try out? For most people the answer is “I can’t remember.”
We often think of white wines as “simple, day-drinking, uncomplicated, every day” options. So it’s normal to stick to the popular grapes you already know (yes, I’m talking about the usual suspects – Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio).
We say it’s time we change that! Keep on reading to find out about 12 incredible dry white wines you’ve been missing out on!
Crisp Dry White Wines
Turbiana
Turbiana is a grape only harvested in the Lugana region in Italy! For a long time, the grape was thought to be Trebbiano. Then, Verdicchio. But finally, after DNA profile tests, it’s been proven that it’s a grape of its own and only found in that small region (at least for now).
Turbiana wines are fruit-forward with high acidity and aromas, gentle salinity, and flavors of orchard and stone fruit. It’s a perfect warm weather grape, refreshing and palate cleansing. Turbiana is the perfect new grape to try if you already enjoy albariño and sauvignon blanc.
Vermentino
The grape originates from the Liguria region. However, nowadays some of the best examples of Vermentino wines come from the island of Sardinia (Sardegna) in Southern Italy.
Tingly and zesty on the palate, these dry white wines are perfect for warm weather! With lively aromas of pear, white peach, lime, and grapefruit with subtle notes of crushed rocks and citrus zest, they just invite you to keep on sipping. And another plus – they go perfectly with fresh seafood dishes!
Melon de Bourgogne (Aka Muscadet)
Many people see the word “Muscadet” on the label and confuse these wines with a Moscato. Don’t make that mistake! Muscadet is a region in the Loire Valley producing bone-dry wines – they’re lean, herbal, fresh, and feel almost salty on the palate.
And here’s the kick: Melon de Bourgogne wines offer amazing value – you can get an interesting, complex wine in the $350 – $500 pesos range.
Verdicchio
Verdicchio, a native grape from Marché in Northern Italy, produces crisp, refreshing wines with good acidity and minerality.
Verdicchio Wines produced under the strict Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC are known for their vibrant, fruity style, medium-body, and great complexity.
Gruner Veltliner
Gruner Veltliner is a native Austrian grape, and it’s the most planted and popular varietal from Austria.
Gruner Veltliner wines are similar to Sauvignon Blanc – high acidity, and citrus notes such as lime, grapefruit, and lemon, followed by an herbaceous finish.
However, Gruner Veltliner has a sharp, mouth-watering acidity that sets it apart. If you love bone-dry white wines, Gruner Veltliner just might become your next favorite!
Volcanic Dry White Wines
Volcanic wines are wines made of grapes growing in soils composed of volcanic material, such as regions surrounding Mt. Vesuvius, Etna, etc. There is something alluring to the idea of dangerous lava and ash-spitting mountains giving birth to excellent wines.
Caprettone
A rare grape, only produced in the foothills of Mt. Vesuvius, Caprettone wines are definitely something else!
A native grape from Campania Region in Southern Italy, usually from vines planted in volcanic soil, Cappretone wines are aromatic with flowers and white fruit notes, savory and delicate. Intriguing and subtle, these are the type of wines that will keep you guessing as they evolve in the bottle with each sip.
Carricante
The Carricante grape is harvested only in Sicily, specifically around the Mount Etna Volcano area. The combination of this unique grape and environment produces some of the most fascinating wines you’ll ever try (red or white).
Mineral, flinty, and fresh, with incredible minerality and intricate tangerine and crushed rock notes. A good Carricante wine will immediately transport you to Southern Italy!
Listán Bianco (Aka Palomino)
Listán Blanco is a native Spanish grape, known in Mexico as Palomino. This is the grape used to produce sherry in Spain.
Palomino wines tend to have a slightly oxidized note, have incredible aging potential, and are powerful and textured. Usually, you’ll get notes of lemon curd, bitter lemon, and green apple skin with amazing vibrancy and freshness.
Aromatic Dry White Wines
Rhône Style Blends
Rhône-style blends are a style of white wine composed of two or more traditional Rhône varieties, including but not limited to Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc.
Some of these blends are rich and fruity, showing stonefruit (Viognier) and citrus (Bourboulenc) flavors, while others are spicier, with white pepper notes. As a rule of thumb, these wines are medium-bodied and offer great texture, making them excellent options for Chardonnay lovers looking to try new flavors.
Moscato Giallo
Everyone seems to have a beef with Moscato, and we understand – it’s hard to forget the memories of the sickly sweet and sticky mass-produced wines that gave this grape a bad name.
However, well-done Moscato Giallo wines are absolutely delicious, food-friendly, and literally feel like drinking in a sunshine-filled orchard.
The tip is to look for versions from respected producers and cold winemaking regions (Alto-Adige, Piemonte, etc). For an added plus, pair it with spicy foods. A spicy Tikka Masala curry paired with a Moscato Giallo will change your life!
Manzoni Bianco
Manzoni Bianco wines are what we refer to as “serious white wine”: white wines that offer the body, structure, and complexity of a red. Produced only in Alto-Adige, at the foothills of the Alps, these wines are very hard to find. Needless to say, when we found one in Mexico, we knew we had to offer it in the shop!
Part of the allure of Manzoni Bianco is its fine balance. The varietal is the result of a crossing of Riesling and Pinot Bianco. From Pinot Bianco, the wine gets its round, full body, and plump fruit characteristics; from Riesling comes the bright acidity and a tendency towards minerality. The combination of those attributes creates a unique wine.
Semillón
Semillón is a grape from Southwest France, primarily Bordeaux. Most white wines from the Pessac-Léognan, Graves, and Bordeaux Blanc appellations are Semillon based. It’s also the main grape used in the delicious Sauternes dessert wines.
Semillon wines are usually medium-bodied, fruit-forward, and low in acidity. They also have a distinctive waxy quality similar to honeycomb that sets them apart from other wines.
