Fine, fruity Chardonnays with a gentle minerality come from Austria’s Südsteiermark, where Chardonnay is also known as Morillon. Alternatively, how about a fresh yet deeply complex Chardonnay from extreme altitudes, typical of Argentina? The Valle de Uco in Mendoza is especially known for such wines. No matter the continent, country, or region, Chardonnay wines are inherently excellent food companions, making them a strong choice for your customers.
White Wine Superstar: Sauvignon Blanc
In the 1990s, the rapid rise of Sauvignon Blanc began, and it now covers over 140,000 hectares worldwide. While the grape variety existed before, it wasn't as widely cherished. Its ability to capture the hearts of wine lovers can be attributed to the exotic and opulent wines from New Zealand’s Marlborough region. Here, customers get a lush fruit basket in a glass, perfectly balanced with vibrant acidity. Many Sauvignon Blancs from South Africa or Germany also fit this profile.
If your customers prefer more understated white wines, then Sauvignon Blancs from the French Loire Valley are a great recommendation. The wines from the Sancerre appellation impress with their green, grassy notes and aromas of gooseberry. These characteristics are also found in wines from the neighboring Pouilly-Fumé, where a fascinating flintiness from the Silex soils adds complexity. Sauvignon Blanc also exhibits distinctive qualities in Austria’s Südsteiermark, showcasing stone and mineral notes.
Pinot Gris Has Many Faces
White wines with mild acidity but a full body are extremely popular and remain in high demand. Pinot Gris fits perfectly into this category. In the French Alsace, Pinot Gris is one of the four noble varieties permitted for Grands Crus. These wines are full-bodied, intense, and high in alcohol. In contrast, the Italian version, known as Pinot Grigio, presents a different profile, especially when sourced from the Veneto region. Here, the wines are lighter and more charming. They dance on the palate and bring the easygoing essence of an Italian summer to the glass.
In Germany, the grape variety shows a distinct character as Grauburgunder. It is fuller-bodied than its Italian counterpart but not as voluminous as those from Alsace. Germans have a strong preference for their Grauburgunder, despite experts' occasional reservations.
Fresh White Wine Par Excellence: Albariño
In Portugal, the grape is known as Alvarinho, while in Spanish Galicia it is called Albariño. Although its home is the Atlantic coast, it is now also approved for white wine blends in Bordeaux, France—a testament to winemaking in the age of climate change. Albariño is especially delightful as a summer wine, offering a pleasing salinity and fruity freshness with hints of green apple, peach, and citrus. The real highlight, however, is the combination of freshness and creaminess on the palate, which many people find so appealing.
Aside from the fact that Albariño, or Alvarinho, remains a true value-for-money gem, your customers get a lot of wine for their money—and your margin usually remains favorable as well. This alone is reason enough to include these white wines in your selection. Additionally, they are wonderful food pairings for everything from seafood to fresh produce.