Top white wine brands are produced around the world. Some of the respectable and most popular brands have created their reputation in producing quality wine over the years. Branded wine refers to wine that does not come from a strictly defined patch of ground, but is marketed by a brand name. Branded wines are typically made from brought-in grapes or from several disparate sources, which may include many vineyards owned by the same company. With so many wine brands and varieties, there is a white that suits almost any palate.
A bit of background
There at least four key elements that contribute to the uniqueness of white wine types, such as the grapes that are used in the wine, the region and environment (temperature, soil and rainfall), how the white grapes are harvested and how the grape is processed into wine. White grapes are grown in the areas of California, Oregon, Washington State, New York and other less-known locals through the United States of America. There are many regions in Europe where white grapes are grown, such as France, Germany, Austria and Italy. Australia, Chile, South Africa and New Zealand are also well-known for growing white grapes and producing top quality white wines.
White grapes harvested around the world and used by the top brands for winemaking
- Chardonnay: Chardonnay originates from Bourgogne, France and is now grown in many wine producing regions, including California, Washington State, Oregon and in countries such as Australia, France, Moldavia, Italy, South Africa, Argentina and Chile. Chardonnay grapes are frequently used for the production of sparkling wine and champagnes. Chardonnay also produces full-bodied white wines with hints of butter, cream, vanilla and oak.
- Chenin Blanc: Chenin Blanc grapes originate from the Loire Valley in France and are also grown in California, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Other names for Chenin Blanc are White Pinot and Pinot Blanco. Chenin Blanc is referred to as Steen in South Africa. Chenin Blanc wines are typically described as light and fruity.
- Gewurztraminer: The Gewurztraminer originates from Germany and is grown in France, Canada, Australia, Italy, New York and California. Wines made from Gewurztraminer are usually sweet or very dry.
- Pinot Grigio: The Pinot Grigio grape is grown in the regions of Northern Italy, Germany, Australia and the west coast regions of the United States. Pinot Grigio grapes produce wines that are light-bodied.
- Riesling: Riesling grapes originate from Germany and are grown in most of the wine regions. Wines produced from Riesling grapes are typically crisp, dry and fruity.
- Sauvignon Blanc: The Sauvignon Blanc grape is cultivated in the Bordeaux region of France and is now grown in the Loire Valley of France, California, New Zealand and Australia. Wines produced from the Sauvignon Blanc grapes are typically light and tangy.
- Semillon: The Semillon grape is grown in Bordeaux region of France, Australia, Argentina, Chile and California. The Semillon grape is often blended with other grapes to produce sweet, full-bodied wines.
- Viognier: The Viognier grape originates from the Rhone Valley of France and is also grown in Australia, South America and California. The Viognier grapes produce a medium-body wine.
- Moscato: Moscato grapes are grown in most wine producing regions, including France, Austria and Italy. The Moscato is typically used for producing sweet and fruity wines.
- Pinot Blanc: Pinot Blanc grapes are cultivated in Alsace, Italy, Austria and California. The Pinot Blanc is used to make sparkling wines in California. The Pinot Blanc grapes produce a light wine.
Top white wine brands [year_shortcode]
Gallo, California: The renowned winemaker, Jennifer Wall, produces seventeen unique varietal and blends. Barefoot Wine received several awards as the fastest growing wine among the top five popular brands. Gallo’s sparkling wine, Andre, is the bestselling brand of this type in the United States.
Concha y Toro, Chile: Concha y Toro produces several different wine styles including a Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc made from grapes the Maule Valley. The original grape varieties were brought from the Bordeaux region in France. Concha Y Toro produces several varietals, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Gewurztraminer.
Yellow Tail, Australia: The family-owned winery at Riverina, Griffith, expanded about ten times its original size and became a huge success in the United Kingdom. Yellow Tail is well-known for their Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc.
Hardys, Australia: Hardy’s is listed as the most powerful Australian wine brand for the fourth consecutive year. Hardys is well-known for their Riesling and Chardonnay.
Beringer, California: The Beringer Vineyards produces unforgettable wines. The White Zinfandel and Chardonnay from the Beringer wineries are well-known.
Sutter Home, California: The estate is well-known for the creation of White Zinfandel.
Lindermans, Australia: The winery’s Bin 65 Chardonnay was Australia’s top-selling wine export.
Blossom Hill, California: Blossom Hill is a winery located in Modesto, California. Blossom Hill produces wine varietals such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, White Blend and White Zinfandel.
Common features of white wines
The colors of white wines vary from crystal clear to straw or golden yellow. Fruit flavors are often represented in white wines, such as pear, apple, lemon, melon, pineapple, grapefruit, floral and herbs. Tannin in white wine is much lighter than the tannins found in red wines.
The ideal temperature for serving white wine is from 45F to 50F. White wine tends to lose flavor when the wine is served too cold. Glasses with a full bulb and narrow neck allow better concentration of the aroma.
After swallowing a quality wine, aromas will still be present. High quality wines have long finishes with pleasant aromas. It is true what Maynard Andrew Amerine said: “The fine wine leaves you with something pleasant; the ordinary wine just leaves.” The aftertaste (or finish) of a wine is a major determinant of the wine’s quality.