Types of White Wine

White wine is a refreshing favourite for Kiwi wine lovers, and we’re here to guide you through New Zealand’s most popular white wine varietals, from crisp Sauvignon Blanc to creamy Chardonnay, answering some common questions. 

Related: How to choose your next wine

When you know what you’re looking for, it’s easier to find the perfect match for your taste, whether pairing it with food or enjoying it on its own. 

Let’s start with some of the important details to look for.

What to expect from white wine

White wine is lighter, crisper, and often more refreshing than red wine. In contrast, red wine is richer and fuller than white wine, with bolder flavours, a velvety texture, and a touch more warmth from slightly more alcohol. 

Flavour: White wines are lighter and fresher than red wines, known for their bright, fruity flavours and zesty sharpness, often described as ‘crisp’ or ‘clean’ on the palate.

Think flavours like citrus, apple, and tropical fruits (instead of rich, dark berries or spices found in reds). 

Colours: These can range from pale straw to golden hues, depending on the grape variety and age.

Acidity: White wines are often high in acidity, giving them a crisp, refreshing taste that makes them feel light and refreshing.

Tannins: Unlike reds, white wines have very low or no tannins, making them smoother and less dry. 

Wondering what tannins are? They’re natural compounds found in the fruit and stems of grapes, which can show up as the graininess in the bottom of your red wine glass. Tannins give red wine a dry, slightly bitter taste and structure.

Popular white wine varietals

White wine offers a world of flavours and styles, and New Zealand’s top varietals showcase everything from crisp and zesty, to rich, creamy, and aromatic.

Sauvignon Blanc

Zesty and refreshing with vibrant citrus, passionfruit, and grassy flavours, it’s New Zealand’s most iconic white wine for good reason.

Learn about Sauvignon Blanc

Chardonnay

A versatile classic, offering flavours that range from crisp apple to buttery vanilla, often with a touch of oak. 

Learn about Chardonnay

Riesling

Bright and aromatic, with citrus and floral notes, Riesling can be dry, sweet, or somewhere in between.

Learn about Riesling

Pinot Gris / Grigio

A smooth and fruity wine, with flavours of pear, apple, and spice, perfect for easy drinking.

Learn about Pinot Gris / Grigio

Gewürztraminer

Exotic and fragrant, it bursts with floral and lychee flavours, offering a slightly sweeter, fuller-bodied experience. Fits into the ‘aromatic’ wine category. 

Viognier

A lush, aromatic wine with stone fruit flavours like apricot and peach, often paired with hints of spice or honey.

Learn about aromatic wine

Popular sparkling white wines - our bubbly favourites

Sparkling white wines are loved for their lively bubbles, refreshing flavours, and versatility, making them great for celebrations, food pairings, or adding a splash of elegance and fun.

Learn about sparkling wine

Popular white wine blends

Blended white wines mix different grape types to create smooth, easy-drinking flavours that appeal to many tastes. They’re less common in New Zealand than red blends, but still a great choice for something a little different. 

Here are some common white wine blends, often produced outside New Zealand.

Shop white wines to check what’s in stock, and try a blend.

1. Bordeaux Blanc (Blend: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle)
2. Rhône White Blends (Blend: Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, and sometimes Grenache Blanc)
3. Chardonnay-Viognier (Blend: Chardonnay and Viognier)
4. Sauvignon Blanc-Sémillon (Blend: Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon)
5. Pinot Gris-Pinot Blanc (Blend: Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc)
6. Chenin Blanc-Viognier (Blend: Chenin Blanc and Viognier)
7. Trebbiano-Malvasia (Blend: Trebbiano and Malvasia)
8. Grüner Veltliner-Riesling (Blend: Grüner Veltliner and Riesling)
9. Gewürztraminer-Riesling (Blend: Gewürztraminer and Riesling)
10. Albarino-Verdejo (Blend: Albariño and Verdejo)

White wines from sweet to dry

When it comes to white wine, sweetness to dryness refers to how much natural sugar is left after fermentation (the wine-making process).

Sweet wines like Riesling or Moscato have a luscious, fruity taste, while dry wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay are crisp and refreshing with little to no sweetness.

Here’s an overview below:

Sweet white wines

Have you tried ‘aromatic’ or ‘dessert’ white wines? They’re some of the sweetest on the white wine scale. 

Moscato and late-harvest Riesling are a delicious option, perfect for those who love bold, fruity tastes. 

Semi-sweet white wines

Semi-sweet whites, like certain styles of Riesling or Gewürztraminer, offer a balance of fruity sweetness and refreshing acidity, making them versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Learn about sweet wine and aromatics

Semi-dry white wines

Semi-dry whites, such as Pinot Gris or Chenin Blanc, have just a hint of sweetness while keeping things crisp and refreshing. 

Dry white wines

Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and some Rieslings are known for their clean, refreshing flavours with little to no sweetness, perfect for pairing with certain food or sipping on their own.

Learn more about these semi-dry and dry white wines:

Pinot Gris -Sauvignon Blanc - Chardonnay - Riesling

White wine from lightest to boldest

White wines come in a range of ‘body’ types, from light and crisp to rich and bold.  Each style brings a different experience, with lighter wines offering refreshing zest and ‘fuller’ wines delivering deeper, more complex and rich flavours. 

Let’s delve deeper.

Lighter-bodied/crisp

Light-bodied white wines, like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, are crisp, refreshing, and perfect for easy sipping or pairing with light dishes such as seafood or salads.

Medium bodied wines

Medium-bodied whites, such as Chardonnay or Viognier, strike a balance between freshness and richness, offering smooth textures and a more rounded flavour that pairs well with a wide variety of foods.

Full-bodied whites

Full-bodied white wines, like oaked Chardonnay or Marsanne, have a rich, creamy texture and intense taste, making them perfect for pairing with richer dishes like creamy pasta or grilled meats. 

Low alcohol white wines

Low-alcohol white wines are a lighter sip that won’t knock you out—perfect for long afternoons or when you just want to keep things breezy and refreshing.

Other helpful info about white wine

What is a good low-cost ‘table’ white wine?

A good option is often a fresh, easy-drinking Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris. These wines are affordable, versatile, and perfect for casual meals or sharing with friends.

Storing

Do you keep white wine in the refrigerator / chilled?

Yes, white wine is best kept cold in the refrigerator to enhance its crisp, refreshing flavours.

How long does a bottle of open white wine last?

Once opened, white wine typically lasts 3-5 days in the fridge with a cork on, before it starts to lose its freshness.

How long does unopened white wine last?

Unopened white wine can last 1-2 years, depending on the varietal and storage conditions, with some wines ageing well for longer.

Learn more about storing wine

Serving

Do you have to decant white wine?

Decanting white wine is not necessary, although it can help with some older wines.

What temperature should I serve white wine?

White wine is best served chilled, typically between 7-12°C, depending on the variety and style - to keep that refreshing experience.

Should I use white wine glasses to serve white wine?

White wine glasses are typically smaller with a narrower bowl, designed to preserve the wine’s fresh, crisp aromas.  Red wine glasses on the other hand have a larger bowl to allow for more oxygen and ‘bigger’, full aromas.

Learn more about serving wine 

 Nutritional breakdown of white wine

A standard 5 oz (150 ml) glass of white wine contains around 120-130 calories, while a full bottle (750 ml) has about 600-650 calories.

How many carbs are in white wine (glass/bottle)?

White wine typically contains around 3-4 grams of carbs per glass, or about 15-20 grams per bottle, depending on the wine's sweetness.

How much alcohol is in white wine?

White wines usually have an alcohol content ranging from 11-13%, but this will vary depending on the varietal and region.

Each varietal will be slightly different, check our wine varietal guides for detailed nutritional info. 

Pairing white wine with food

Generally speaking, white wine pairs wonderfully with light dishes like seafood, chicken, salads, and creamy pastas. Its crisp, refreshing flavours also work well with cheeses, especially soft or mild varieties like brie or goat cheese. 

However, each white wine has its own unique taste, so it’s worth exploring the specific wine to find the perfect food pairing.

Learn more about wine and food matching

Cooking with white wine

White wine is great for cooking, with dry varieties like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris being ideal, while substitutes like chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, or white grape juice work well in a pinch.

Try out some recipes

White and red grapes and their colour. Let’s clear up some confusion. 

The colour of wine isn’t just about the grape—it’s about how it’s made. Red wines like Pinot Noir are fermented with grape skins for colour, while white wines are made without them, even if the grapes are light red or pink. 

Rosé, on the other hand, gets its blush hue from brief contact with red grape skins during winemaking.