Among wide varieties of wine, dry white wine is one of the most popular beverages in New Zealand. The crisp and refreshing taste of dry white wine makes it a perfect drink to enjoy during summer days.
This article will explore the common types of dry white wines you can enjoy in New Zealand.
What is a Dry White Wine?
A dry white wine is a wine with very little residual sugar left after the fermentation process. These wines contain minimal sugar, typically below 1% or around 4 grams per liter. Dry white wines are often paired with light seafood, salads, or chicken dishes and are mostly low-calorie. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are well-known examples of dry wine.
The Most Common Types of Dry White Wine
1. Sauvignon Blanc
Though Sauvignon Blanc is not the driest white wine, it is sensible to start with this because people from New Zealand adore Sauvignon Blanc. It is typically lower in calories than other alcoholic beverages like beer or cocktails.
Typically, NZ Sauvignon Blanc varieties are completely dry but counterbalanced by their fruity notes and a subtle hint of freshly mowed grass.
2. Chardonnay
Although Chardonnay is packed with fruit flavors, it may not appear to be the driest of white wines. However, these wines are generally dry or off-dry in style. In their younger days, Chardonnays typically have a flavor profile that includes notes of tropical fruits and apples.
As they age in oak barrels, their flavor profile develops with more luxurious hints of vanilla and roasted nuts, and their texture becomes pleasantly buttery.
3. Pinot Gris
Typically, this dry white wine has a light and refreshing character with hints of citrus, stone fruit, apple, honeysuckle, or mineral notes that can vary depending on the region.
Top 5 Dry White Wine
Here is a list of best dry white wines that you can slurp in New Zealand:
- Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc: The Allan Scott Family of Winemakers in New Zealand makes this style of Sauvignon Blanc wine. It is a well-liked wine with a lively, fresh flavor frequently described as having overtones of grass and flavors of citrus and tropical fruit.
- Babydoll Chardonnay: The Chardonnay is a lovely pale gold color and has a delightful aroma of pineapple, citrus, and stone fruit, accompanied by subtle hints of spice and toasty oak.
The palate is ripe and fresh, offering a pleasant texture with sweet fruit, complexity from the lees, and a smooth finish. It pairs well with roast chicken, fish and chips, and oysters.
- Montana Classic Pinot Gris: Pinot Gris is a grape variety that is renowned for producing aromatic and fruit-driven wines with fragrances reminiscent of apple, pear, melon, and citrus.
The fermentation process takes place in stainless steel tanks to maintain the crisp and fresh flavor of the wine. Montana Classic Pinot Gris is a popular choice with shellfish, chicken, and salads.
- Jacob’s Creek Classic Pinot Grigio: Jacob’s Creek Classic Pinot Grigio is a popular white wine known for its refreshing, dry, and crisp taste, featuring notes of green apple, pear, and lemon citrus.
It’s a popular choice for casual drinking and outdoor gatherings due to its 12% ABV, light body, and well-balanced flavor. The wine’s reputation for its pleasant flavor profile and easy drinkability make it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.
- The Last Shepherd Chardonnay: The Last Shepherd Chardonnay can be both a dry or sweet white wine, depending on the sweetness of the wine. Its harmonious blend of flavors, including stone fruit, citrus, and vanilla, is known for creating a rich and intricate taste profile.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dry white wines are the best alternatives if you like versatility and prefer low-calorie drinks. They do not just taste delicious but also have less sugar, which is why the name.
While Allan Scott and Montana Classic are great for summer trips, the rest of the wines, including Babydoll, Jacob’s Creek Classic and The Last Shepherd Chardonnay, are good for dinner dates or lunch with friends.
