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A journey into the world of white wines

White wines are a popular and renowned category in the wide world of wines. Appreciated for their variety of aromas and tastes ranging from fresh and fruity to rich and full-bodied, white wines are characterised by colours ranging from transparent to golden and aromas of fruit, flowers and mineral notes. From dry and lively to sweet and enveloping, white wines satisfy a wide range of preferences. Their body varies from light and fresh to full and structured.

From harvest to bottle, a journey to discover the white wine production method

The production process of white wines is a sophisticated art requiring great skill and attention to detail. Unlike red wines, white wines are made by fermenting the grape must without using the skins. This production method gives white wines their distinctive clarity and brightness, as well as preserving the delicate notes of fruit and flowers that characterise many of them.

But how is a white wine produced? The main steps for production include:

1. Grape selection: white wine production starts with the careful selection of grapes. These can be of different varieties, but are usually characterised by clear flesh. The grapes are harvested when they are ripe and ready for vinification.
2. Destemming and crushing: once harvested, the grapes are destemmed to separate the bunches from the stems. Next, they are crushed to extract the juice, which will be the basis of the white wine.
3. Pressing: after pressing, the juice is pressed to separate it from the skins, seeds and solids. This step is essential to obtain a clear and limpid juice.
4. Fermentation: the freshly pressed juice is transferred into special containers to start the fermentation process. During fermentation, natural or added yeasts transform the sugars in the juice into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The temperature and duration of fermentation can vary depending on the type of white wine to be produced.
5. Ageing and stabilisation: after fermentation, the white wine may undergo a period of ageing in stainless steel tanks or wooden barrels. During this period, the wine can develop aromatic complexity and subtleties of taste. Subsequently, the wine is clarified and filtered to remove any sediment and obtain a clear and stable product.
6. Bottling: once the production and ageing process is complete, the white wine is ready to be bottled. During bottling, the wine may undergo further quality control to ensure that it is free of defects and ready to be distributed to the market.

The different types of white wines

White wines can be divided into several subcategories, each with its own unique characteristics reflecting production practices and terroir influence. The most common types of white wine include:

• Still white wines: these are the most common type of white wine, which undergoes a complete fermentation process without the presence of bubbles. It can be dry, semi-dry or sweet depending on the amount of residual sugar.
• Sparkling white wines: they have a slight effervescence, which may be natural or obtained through controlled carbonation. They are less effervescent than sparkling and usually have a fresher, lighter taste.
• Sweet white wines: they have a high residual sugar content, which can be obtained through interrupted fermentation processes or the addition of concentrated must.
• Dry white wines: have a low residual sugar content and are generally crisp and fresh.

From fish to risottos to salads: discover how to pair white wines

The versatility and aromatic complexity of white wines offer endless possibilities for pairing with a wide range of dishes. In general, lighter and fresher white wines go well with fish dishes, seafood such as oysters and prawns, salads and light starters, while full-bodied and structured white wines go well with mature cheeses, chicken or turkey dishes, risottos and creamy dishes. The versatility of white wines makes them suitable for many occasions, from informal lunches to elegant dinner parties.

The best Italian white wines

Italy has a rich wine tradition, with a wide range of high-quality white wines from renowned regions such as Piedmont, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, South Tyrol, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Campania, Sicily and Sardinia. Each region contributes its own distinctive character and unique history to the wine diversity of the country.

In Piedmont, Gavi and Erbaluce stand out for their freshness and elegance, while Roero Arneis offers pleasant drinking ease. In Friuli-Venezia Giulia, the famous white wines of the Collio and Colli Orientali, such as Friulano and Ribolla Gialla, stand side by side with international varieties such as Pinot Grigio, producing aromatic and complex wines. Alto Adige is renowned for its Gewurztraminer and Sylvaner, which express the freshness and purity of their Alpine terroirs.

In Veneto, Soave and Custoza stand out for their versatility and freshness, while Emilia-Romagna produces varied white wines such as Malvasia di Candia and Albana, ranging from sweet to dry. In Campania, Fiano di Avellino, Falanghina and Greco di Tufo represent the excellence of Italian white wines, offering complexity and longevity.

In Sicily, Grillo and Etna Bianco reflect the richness of the island's terroir, while in Sardinia, Vermentino di Gallura embodies the Mediterranean character with its freshness and intensity.

From north to south, Italy offers an extraordinary variety of white wines, each with its own unique personality and style to suit every occasion and palate. Discovering Italian white wines means immersing yourself in a sensory journey through the wonders of the Bel Paese's terroir and winemaking tradition.

The best international white wines

The best international white wines include Burgundy's Chardonnay, renowned for its complexity and elegant notes of fruit and wood, New Zealand's Sauvignon Blanc, characterised by its lively freshness and aromas of tropical fruit and herbs, and Germany's Riesling, prized for its liveliness, balanced acidity and ability to express the purity of terroir. Each international white wine tells the story of its terroir and wine culture, offering unique and unforgettable sensory experiences.

Each Italian and international white wine offers a unique sensory journey that leads to the discovery of the richness of the terroir. On xtraWine you can find all the best white wine producers such as San Michele Appiano, Feudi di San Gregorio and Cantina Terlano.