Enjoying the summer wines means pursuing the Rosé, the Sparkling, and the Whites. This year, my friends, writers, and recognized journalists, Mike and Jeff from The World Wine Guys, recently wrote a book about white wines, inspiring me to explore them and create this list of 8 Game-Changing White Wines.
Hence, I went around the world to explore a few different producers and wine regions. These 8 Game-Changing White Wines have a standout to me from other profiles. If you are an avid reader of this blog, you might say that my palate has evolved. I was usually focusing on crisp whites this summer, but I am looking for exceptional white with more character and a connection to their terroir.
Modern and Melow: Chenin Blanc from South Africa
Chenin is the best-known and most widely planted white grape in South Africa. Chenin Blanc likely was brought to by the Dutch over 350 years ago for brandy. Nowadays offers various delicious styles and flavors. From light, tart, and crisp to full-bodied, ripe, and rich, there’s something to suit every taste. Its intense acidity, sweet fruit flavors, and bright ginger notes make it a perfect match for sushi, goat cheese, and glazed pork belly.
MAN Family Wines Chenin Blanc 2022
This Chenin Blanc is refreshing and has a light body, with just the right amount of bright fruit and acidity to tantalize your taste buds. It has a luxurious mouthfeel, makes it perfect as an aperitif, and pairs well with various cuisines. The Wine bursts with white peach, green apple, and citrus flavors and has a well-balanced acidity and minerality. It’s the perfect Wine to take to the beach and turn an ordinary day into a tropical paradise.
Reyneke Vinehugger Chenin Blanc 2021
This Wine is produced using biodynamic principles. On the nose, it has a pleasant aroma of pear, peach lemon, and delicious golden apple, with a hint of pineappl. The palate contains ripe fruit, balanced acidity, and a dry finish.
Noble Hill Sur Lie Chenin Blanc 2021
This Chenin Blanc is cultivated on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain, nestled between Stellenbosch and Paarl. The fermentation process utilizes wild yeast populations. The Wine is left on the fine lees for nine months while regularly stirred to create a rich and full-bodied flavor. After aging in concrete vats, this Wine boasts a bouquet of fresh lime blossom, honeydew melon, and green apples. Its delicate mineral notes balance the flavor profile perfectly, making it an ideal choice for enjoying on a hot summer day by the pool.
Up and Coming: Sauvignon Blanc from New World
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and France are classic for the summer. Still, I came across New World Sauvignon Blanc . Despite that, I have tried a few producers years past is always inspiring to find new styles and how Sauvignon Blanc has thrived in California for so long.
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and France are classic for the summer. Still, I came across New World Sauvignon Blanc . Despite that, I have tried a few producers years past is always inspiring to find new styles and how Sauvignon Blanc has thrived in California for so long.
California’s Wagner Family of Wines, which is home to Caymus, has multiple wineries with different styles. However, Emmolo has become a personal favorite. First, I got engaged with Sparkling Brut from Emmolo Wines the day we got our marriage license, it looked like a great alternative to Champagne at a restaurant, and we loved it. Hence, I got curious about Wagner Family of Wines, since they were the producer behind them to discover that a Woman leads Emmolo Wines. Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc 2022 is bright citrus, crispy acidity, and freshness that will keep everyone cool and satisfied.
If you’re looking for a Sauvignon Blanc with more depth and character, I recommend trying the Santa Helena Joseph Phelps Sauvignon Blanc. Joseph Phelps Sauvignon Blanc features sweet floral orange blossom, white peach, and citrus peel aromatics. It is lightly oak-influenced and has a luscious lemon cream palate with hints of pear and red apple. The Wine perfectly balances precision, purity, and freshness with a light mineral character.
Classic and Coolest: White Rhône
Rhône Valley is a region I have explored and fallen in love with, but only for its red wines. Recently, I have also been genuinely amazed by their white and rosé wines. On the one hand, I am dreaming about the day I can visit their region. On the other hand, Rhône Valley’s white wines are full-bodied and offer a delicious and affordable option. Last but not least, these white wines have a great rich texture. They are often made by Estates that have produced Wine for generations. They are versatile and pair well with grilled chicken, firm cheeses like Gouda, and rich lobster rolls.
Belleruche M. Chapoutier
M. Chapoutier is the producer that made me fall in love with the Rhone Valley Vineyards. I first had their Côtes du Rhône back in 2019, and since then, I have followed and enjoyed their portfolio everywhere. This White Belleruche is their most approachable white with a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Clairette, and Bourboulenc. The Wine is approachable and well-balanced, with subtle herbal notes in the finish. I will pair this white with grilled sardines.
Bonpas AOC Côtes du Rhône Blanc Réserve de Bonpas 2022
Do you love White Rhône already?. Bonpas is a medium-bodied White with a remarkable aromatic expression and length in the finish. The grapes on this white blend are Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Viognier. On the nose, it offers rich and floral aromatics with white flowers and herbs, very intense and rich on the palate with a persistent finish. It has excellent white tannins or structures to pair with fried food such as shrimp tempura, Thai food, and some crispy flautas.
AOC Côtes du Rhône Blanc Chateau Pegau, Cuve Lone 2022
Hand-harvested Clairette, Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, and Ugni Blanc grapes grown in clayey and stony soils are part of this white blend Château Pégau Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Lône . On the nose is a fresh, aromatic white blend with citrus and white floral notes.
