Do you know how to taste white wine? Tasting a wine is not only a matter of tasting it, but of paying attention to it with all your senses. Each glass of white wine hides a world of nuances that you can discover if you know how to look for them.
Through this guide we will teach you how to taste a white wine step by step, what to expect at each stage, and how to identify its aromas, colors and flavors more accurately. And if you think you already know it, let's put it to the test, read on.
How white wine is made
Before talking about how white wine is tasted, it is convenient to know a little about its elaboration. Unlike red wines, white wines are produced mainly from white grapes.
Once pressed, the grapes are fermented with only the juice (must), which allows them to retain their light color and fresh, fruity profile. In many cases, they are fermented at low temperatures to preserve the primary aromas. Depending on the style sought, the wine can be aged in stainless steel, barrel or even on lees.
At Can Vidalet, we apply artisanal methods and absolute respect for the grape and the Mallorcan terroir to achieve vibrant, expressive whites with personality.
Varieties of white wines
White wines can vary greatly in aromas, flavors, body and acidity depending on the grape variety used and the way they are made. Here are some of the most representative varieties of white wines and their most common characteristics:
- Chardonnay
Chardonnay white wine can range from light, fresh profiles with citrus notes to complex and full-bodied wines. With hints of butter, vanilla or dried fruits if it has been aged in barrels. It is versatile and adapts to different climates, which gives it a very diverse aromatic range.
- Moscatel
Moscatel wines are usually very aromatic, with floral notes (orange blossom, jasmine) and tropical fruits or fresh grapes. They are made both dry and sweet, the latter being highly appreciated for their intensity and balance.
- Riesling
Riesling produces white wines that stand out for their vibrant acidity and aromas of green apple, lime, peach and minerals. It can be dry or sweet, and is famous for its aging ability and for accurately reflecting the terroir where it is grown.
- Albariño
Typical of northwestern Spain, Albariño wine is fresh, with high acidity and a saline profile. It brings aromas of citrus, stone fruit (peach, apricot) and a floral background.
- Verdejo
Characteristic of the Rueda DO in Spain, Verdejo wine is expressive, with herbaceous, citrus and white fruit aromas. In the mouth it is usually dry, with good structure and a slightly bitter aftertaste that makes it unmistakable.
Come to Can Vidalet and enjoy with us, the best wine tasting in Malorca.
Tips for tasting white wine
If you want to learn how to taste a white wine correctly, follow these basic tips:
- Serve the wine at the right temperature: between 8 °C and 12 °C is ideal.
- Use a tulip glass, narrow at the top, to concentrate the aromas.
- Avoid perfumes or ambient aromas that interfere with your sense of smell.
- Drink water between wines to cleanse your palate.
- Take your time: tasting is not about drinking fast, it is about paying attention.
Remember that tasting is not an exam, but an experience. Listen to your senses and don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Tasting phases for a white wine
Tasting a white wine is an experience that activates your senses progressively. Each phase reveals a different part of its personality: its color, aroma, taste and texture.
Visual phase
This stage offers key signals about its youth, purity and style. Here you should observe:
- Color: Young white wines usually have shades ranging from pale yellow to greenish. They reflect freshness and acidity. On the other hand, aged or more evolved whites tend to have golden, amber or even honey tones.
- Brightness: A quality white wine tends to shine in the glass. Cleanliness and brilliance indicate careful winemaking.
- Viscosity: When swirling the glass, see if slow tears fall down the walls. If they do, it probably has more body or a higher alcohol content.
Olfactory phase
White wines are usually more expressive aromatically than reds, so here you will discover much of their identity. For a correct tasting, first smell without moving the glass. Then shake it gently and sniff again. This will release more volatile compounds and allow you to identify more layers of aroma.
What can you find?
- Primary aromas: These are those that come from the pure soul of the grape. In white wines you can detect citrus notes (lemon, lime), white fruit (pear, apple), tropical fruit (pineapple, passion fruit, mango), white flowers (jasmine, orange blossom) or even fresh herbs.
- Secondary aromas: These arise during fermentation. In fermented whites or whites aged on lees, aromas of bread, butter, yogurt or yeast may appear.
- Tertiary aromas: These develop over time in the bottle or barrel. Here you can perceive more complex notes such as nuts (almond, hazelnut), honey, vanilla or smoky touches if it has been aged in oak.
Taste phase
Here you are looking for the balance between taste, texture and final sensation. This phase allows you to confirm what you have perceived before, or to discover new surprises. Pay attention to:
- Attack: It is the first impression when entering the mouth. A good white wine usually has a fresh, lively, sometimes slightly acid attack, which makes it ideal to awaken the palate.
- Acidity: Acidity is the central axis of white wines. It brings freshness, lightness and pairing capacity. A white without acidity can feel flat and boring.
- Flavor: Here the olfactory notes are confirmed or amplified. Fruit, citrus, mineral or floral flavors may appear, depending on the variety and style of the wine.
- Texture: Some whites are light and fluid, others may be silky, creamy or denser, especially if they have spent time on lees or in barrels.
- Persistence: Evaluates how long the flavors linger after swallowing the wine. A good white wine leaves a clean, fresh and aromatic aftertaste.
- Aftertaste: Some varieties, such as Riesling or Verdejo, leave a slightly bitter or mineral finish, highly valued by connoisseurs.
Where to learn how to taste white wines in Mallorca?
At Bodegas Can Vidalet, an artisanal winery located in Pollença, Mallorca, we produce white wines with Mediterranean soul and character. More than bottles of wine, we offer stories and tradition.
Let yourself be guided by experiences that transcend the glass with our wine tasting in Malorca, surrounded by vineyards and the hand of those who elaborate it.