White Wine

White Wine FAQs

What temperature should white wine be served at?

Light, aromatic whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Muscadet are best at 8–10°C. Fuller-bodied whites like white Burgundy and Alsace Gewurztraminer are better at 10–12°C, which allows their aromas to open up. Avoid serving white wine too cold — it mutes flavour and aroma.

What is the difference between oaked and unoaked white wine?

Unoaked white wines (like Chablis or Muscadet) ferment in stainless steel, preserving fresh fruit and mineral character. Oaked whites (like white Burgundy or white Rioja Reserva) ferment and/or age in oak barrels, adding richness, texture, vanilla and complexity. Neither is inherently better — it depends on the style you prefer.

Does white wine improve with age?

Most white wine is made to drink young and fresh. However, the great whites of Burgundy, Alsace (Riesling), Germany and the Loire (Chenin Blanc) develop extraordinary complexity with age — sometimes improving for 10–20 years. White Rioja Reserva and white Châteauneuf-du-Pape are also fine candidates for cellaring.

What food pairs best with white wine?

Lighter whites — Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Muscadet — pair beautifully with seafood, shellfish, salads and goats cheese. Fuller whites — white Burgundy, white Rioja, Alsace — suit roast chicken, lobster, creamy pasta and soft ripened cheeses. Match the weight of the wine to the richness of the food.

How many calories are in a glass of white wine?

A standard 175ml glass typically holds around 120–160 calories — lighter styles like Pinot Grigio sit toward the lower end of that range.

How many calories are in a bottle of white wine?

A 750ml bottle of white wine comes to roughly 550–650 calories, with the exact figure depending on alcohol level and residual sweetness.

How long does white wine last once opened?

Re-cork or reseal it tightly and refrigerate, and an opened bottle of white wine will generally stay fresh for three to five days.

How to store white wine?

Keep white wine somewhere cool and dark before opening, lying bottles on their side if they're cork-sealed, and move it to the fridge once it's open.

Read our complete Guide to understanding white wine.