White Wines

White wine is probably the noblest of alcoholic beverages. Its delicacy incorporates floral aromas and flavors of tropical and white-fleshed fruits. A refreshing acidity acts as a background, while the aftertaste is just special.

The cosmopolitan Chardonnay is a great start. Its tropical notes and traces of vanilla are likely to excite the novice palate. Alternatively, the local Moschofilero, with its rose, citrus and pyrus notes, is a great variety to start touring the white wine world.

Most white wine varieties have citrus aromas. Jasmine and evening primrose are a usual floral aromatic dimension of white wine, while herbal or grassy aromas, such as rosemary and fresh-cut lawn can also be present.

First, there are areas that "specialize" in grape varieties. Thus, southern Peloponnese is famous for Kydonitsa, while Santorini island is famous for Assyrtiko. Still, even varieties that are cultivated more generally give rather different wines, from region to region. Try a glass of Malagouzia from Halkidiki and another one from Attica. The first is full of tropical flavors, with floral and herbal aromas that complement each other. The second has stronger citrus elements, combined with summer fruits and flowers.

Summer lunch with seafood. Spring gathering with friends for small talk. Sunday afternoon movie on the couch, whatever the weather outside. Afternoon on the beach with a book. Alone at home, because that’s what you like!

Sparkling white wines are always welcome at parties. Sweet white wines make the best dessert after seafood or poultry meals with lemony sauces. Dry white wines are an excellent accompaniment to the aforementioned meals, as well as pasta with any white sauce.

Fatty fish, such as tuna, swordfish, cod, sardines, salmon and mackerel pair nicely with highly acidic white wines, such as Riesling. More typical fish, especially oven-cooked with vegetables, call for milder white wines, such as Savvatiano, Pinot Grizio or Debina. Shusi has a dual character, since the botanical dimension of Sauvignon Blanc and the aromatic "attack" of Muscat of Alexandria are equally appropriate. Finally, don't hesitate to open a bottle of Assyrtiko, enjoying an exuberant salad with tomato, cucumber, onion, caper, feta cheese, olive oil and vinegar.

Definitely in the fridge, but not for more than three days. Of course, the bottle should be corked.

White wine is served chilled, at 12°C, on average. A stemmed glass is always used, which is filled to about ⅓ of its capacity.

Mimosa consists of sparkling white wine and cool orange juice. In Palermo, vanilla flavored rum, pineapple juice, Sauvignon Blanc and sugar syrup are mixed in a ratio of 6:5:4:1. Finally, Bicicletta contains dry white wine and Campari, in a ratio of 3:2, along with club soda.