What Is Dry White Wine?: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever wondered what it means when someone refers to a glass of wine as being “dry”? Dry white wine is a staple of many wine connoisseur’s collections – but what is a dry white wine, and what sets it apart from other wines?

Read on to discover everything you need to know about the best dry white wine, from what it is to the best dry white wine pairings and more.

What Is Dry White Wine?

Dry white wine is white wine that is almost if not completely void of sugar. When wine ferments, the sugar from the grapes converts to alcohol. While sweet wines still have some of this sugar, dry white wines do not. Instead, they boast a crisp, acidic flavor.

Dry white wines typically feature flavors of citrus, apple, ginger, stone fruit and even floral elements. They’re light yet complex, with a brightness that makes them the perfect summertime wine.

Due to their high acidity, dry white wines are generally considered the go-to wines to use when cooking. They do a beautiful job of bringing out your food’s flavor without overwhelming it, and are the ideal choice for cooking seafood that sings.

Types of Dry White Wine

Do you have a favorite dry white wine? If you’re unsure of where to begin, here are a few of the most popular types of dry white wine to get you started.

Chardonnay

When discussing white wine, it’s hard to get more iconic than chardonnay. Originally from France, chardonnay grapes are some of the most popular in the world, and a good glass of chardonnay holds the ability to transport those who enjoy it like no other.

What’s unique about chardonnay is its versatility. As chardonnay is so highly regarded, it’s crafted all over the world, and the wide array of climates and winemaking traditions that have touched this wine have resulted in many different variations of the classic wine, from chardonnays that are crisp and unoaked to full-bodied and oak-aged and beyond. It primarily features notes of citrus and apple, with creamier chardonnays incorporating flavors of butter and vanilla.

Sauvignon Blanc

If you like for your wine to be as dry as possible, sauvignon blanc is the wine for you. Dry, crisp, and refreshing, sauvignon blanc is heavily associated with New Zealand, though it is also a popular choice for winemakers in France, California and Chile.

Depending on the style of the winemaker, sauvignon blanc can lean fruity or filled with green herbal flavors. It’s a vividly acidic wine, which adds a fantastic zing that pairs well with creamy dishes.

Pinot Grigio

Crafted from the same grape variety as pinot noir, pinot grigio is one of the most popular white wines in the United States, and the most popular imported wine in the U.S., period. It is most commonly produced in Italy, though some great pinot grigios have also been found in California.

Pinot grigio is typically a light and zesty wine that highlights flavors of citrus, green apple, and peach. It’s quite acidic, though it can also be crafted into a sweeter rosé, depending on the style and preferences of the winemaker.

Pinot Blanc

Another wine in the same family as pinot noir, pinot blanc hails primarily from Germany, France and Northern Italy. It’s a popular sparkling wine in California thanks to its incredibly high acidity.

When tasting pinot blanc, you’ll enjoy flavors of stone fruits, as well as autumn orchard fruits like apples and pears. As pinot blanc ages, it also takes on warm nut notes. A very versatile wine, its acidity cuts through creamy dishes well, and pairs nicely with mild meats and cheeses.

Albariño

A native of Spain and Portugal, albariño is the perfect dry white wine for those who love a wine with coastal influence. More difficult to produce than many wines, albariño is an elite choice that wine aficionados love.

A wide variety of fruit-driven notes can be found in albariño, from peach and honeydew to banana, grapefruit and lemon zest. Pair albariño with your favorite seafood meal – oysters, clams, or even fish tacos – for an ideal match.

How to Choose the Best Dry White Wine for You

We may be biased, but we believe that there’s a perfect moment for any dry white wine to shine. That being said, choosing the best dry white wine for you comes down to your personal preferences, as well as your present needs.

If you plan to use dry white wine for cooking, it’s best to go with a crisp, light wine that isn’t too oaky. When cooked, heavily oaked wines may make food taste bitter.

When selecting a bottle to enjoy with loved ones, however, the sky’s the limit. Chardonnay is the most popular dry white wine, which makes it a safe bet for hosting friends and family. For a wine that is a bit fruitier, consider a pinot grigio or pinot blanc.

Popular Dry White Wine Pairings

Dry white wines are often considered to be a summertime wine as they pair beautifully with light foods. Their high acidity and zesty brightness adds a delicious flair to many meals.

Wondering what to serve with your favorite dry white wine? Here are a few of our favorite pairing options:

• Seafood is a classic choice when crafting the perfect dry white wine pairing. Light and flaky fish, scallops, oysters, mussels and shrimp are all elevated when served with your favorite dry white wine.
• Roasted or grilled chicken cooked with herbs and spices like oregano, parsley, basil and garlic are an ideal match when serving dry white wine. Adding a touch of lemon to your chicken brings out even more flavor!
• A delicious creamy pasta dish also pairs well with dry white wine as the acidity of the wine cuts through the creaminess of the pasta perfectly, while both dishes are still light enough to complement each other instead of overpowering each other.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Dry White Wine

Still curious? Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions about the world of dry white wine.

Why is dry white wine so popular to cook with?

Dry white wine is a popular choice to use when cooking due to its high acidity. It adds balance to your food and brings out the flavors beautifully.

How is dry white wine made differently than sweet white wine?

Dry white wines are allowed to ferment longer than sweet white wines. As the wine ferments, the sugar is converted to alcohol, causing the wine to lose its sweetness. When a winemaker is crafting a sweet wine, the fermentation process is stopped sooner, allowing a higher sugar content to remain in the wine.

What pairs well with dry white wine?

Seafood is an ideal pairing for dry white wine, along with roasted chicken, fresh salads and creamy pasta dishes.

Enjoy a Glass of the Best Dry White Wine

Ready to enjoy the perfect dry white wine pairing? Jordan Winery is home to the best Russian River Valley chardonnay in Sonoma County  – balanced and elegant, with vibrant, expressive flavors. Share a bottle with the ones you love, and bring the vivid notes of the valley to your table.