The Most Common White Wines and Dishes to Serve with Them

The types of white wine may seem overwhelming to some, but the most common white wines can be easily summarized, opening the door to an enchanting vinous world. This article introduces the white wine varieties you will see most often when searching for white wine online or in a wine store like Bottle Barn. This includes the white wine varieties Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Moscato, and Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris.

We will then suggest the perfect dishes to serve with each of the most common white wines.

Popular White Wines and Food Pairings

Here are some most common and popular white wines below with the foods that go well with that particular white wine:

Chardonnay: The Queen of the White Wine Varieties

Chardonnay counts among the world’s most versatile and widely planted white wine grapes, producing a range of styles depending on its terroir (growing region) and winemaking techniques. Unoaked Chardonnay will typically showcase crisp, fresh flavors of green apple, citrus, and pear; oak-aged versions offer a richer sensation, with notes of vanilla, butter, and tropical fruits.

The world’s most common white wine, Chardonnay thrives in Burgundy, where it creates elegant, minerally nuanced wines like Chablis. In warmer regions like California (including right here in Sonoma) and Australia, it produces fuller-bodied, riper expressions.

Food Pairings with Chardonnay

Its great versatility makes Chardonnay a favorite for food pairings. After you buy a Chardonnay white wine, enjoy it with dishes such as roasted chicken, creamy seafood pasta, poached lobster (with butter, of course), or mild cheeses like Brie or Camembert. For a lighter pairing, serve it with grilled fish or fresh salads.

Sauvignon Blanc: If You Like Zesty Acidity

Sauvignon Blanc is almost as common as Chardonnay. These white wines offer a vibrant and aromatic experience with zesty acidity and a diverse flavor profile. This may include lime, green apple, passion fruit, and grassy or herbaceous notes.

Originating from France's Loire Valley and Bordeaux, it has become a global favorite. New Zealand’s Marlborough region produces especially bold, tropical styles. Cooler climates yield crisp, mineral-driven wines, while warmer regions enhance their fruity character.

Food Pairings with Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc’s refreshing nature makes it a perfect match for light, flavorful dishes. Pair it with fresh goat cheese (chèvre), fresh salads, seafood like oysters or mussels, and grilled fish. It also compliments herby dishes such as pesto pasta or rosemary chicken.

Riesling Rules

Wine experts, including the expert staff at the best online wine store, tend to love Riesling. It scores highly for being among the most versatile and expressive white wines. When you buy white wine, look for Riesling styles ranging from bone-dry and crisp to lusciously sweet and complex. It’s famous for its bright acidity, floral aromas (sometimes petrol too), and flavors of citrus, green apple, apricot, and honey. Riesling excels at reflecting its terroir, so expect diversity. Not all Riesling wines are sweet.

Germany produces some of the most renowned Rieslings, from the dry styles of the Rheingau to the sweet, late-harvest wines of the Mosel. Alsace, Austria, and the Clare and Eden Valleys in Australia also craft distinctive expressions.

Food Pairings with Riesling

Its acidity and balance make Riesling an exceptional food wine across all styles. For a dry Riesling, pair it with sushi, shellfish, or roasted pork. Off-dry versions complement spicy Asian dishes, like Thai or Vietnamese dishes, or lightly spiced curries. Sweet Rieslings shine with desserts like fruit tarts, blue cheese, or foie gras.

Other Best White Wines and Food Pairings

These above-mentioned white wines are probably the three most common types of white wine, but there are several more. Let’s choose two that you will find at the best white wine store: Moscato and Chenin Blanc.

Moscato

Moscato is made from the aromatic Muscat grape. It thus offers a delightfully aromatic white wine renowned for its sweet, fruity, and floral character. A common white wine typically low in alcohol, Moscato will bowl you over with flavors of ripe peach, apricot, orange blossom, and honey. These white wines sometimes have a light effervescence that enhances their refreshing quality. Italy's Moscato d'Asti is a celebrated example, offering a slightly sparkling, gently sweet profile. Great-value Moscato white wines also come from Chile and California.

Food Pairings with Moscato

Moscato’s sweetness and vibrant fruit make it a versatile pairing choice for both savory and sweet dishes. It will be delightful chilled, served with fresh fruit, light desserts like panna cotta or lemon tart, or creamy cheeses. Its balance of sweetness and acidity also complements spicy dishes, such as Thai curries or glazed barbecue ribs.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is an exceptional white wine, often underappreciated. Kind of like Riesling, this white wine grape can produce a wide range of styles, from bone-dry and sparkling to rich and sweet. It often features flavors of apple, pear, honey, and quince, with vibrant acidity that makes it both refreshing and age-worthy.

Loire Valley in France is Chenin’s homeland, producing renowned wines like Vouvray and Savennières. But there’s more. South Africa crafts distinctive, fruit-forward expressions. You will also find it grown in Sonoma County!

Food Pairings with Moscato

Chenin Blanc pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including roasted pork, poultry with creamy sauces, seafood, mildly spiced curries, and soft cheeses like goat cheese or Brie.

Don’t forget how easy it is to browse and buy white wine online at Bottle Barn. Take a look at the white wine section now!