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Forbes
28-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Sip Into Summer: Discover Italy's Classic Pinot Grigio Wines
Tasting of Pinot Grigio wine on winery terrace in Veneto, Italy. Glasses of cold dry wine are ideal served outdoor in sunny day getty Pinot Grigio is the Italian name for Pinot Gris. The varietal is widely grown in Northeastern Italy. It's one of Italy's most popular wine exports and a mainstay of summer entertaining. Here is a brief background on the varietal and tasting notes on some of its most popular expressions. Pinot Grigio is a mutation of Pinot Noir that developed a grayish-blue skin color, giving the grape its name. Grigio means 'gray' in Italian. It's genetically the same grape as France's Pinot Gris, but the Italian version has evolved into a distinct style known for its crispness and easy drinkability. The varietal arrived in Italy from Burgundy and Switzerland centuries ago. Although grown throughout Italy, it blossomed in Northeastern Italy, particularly in the regions of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Veneto. This cool, Alpine-influenced area offers an ideal climate for Pinot Grigio. The warm days help ripen the grapes, while cool nights preserve acidity and freshness. Over the last 50 years, Pinot Grigio has become Italy's most widely exported white wine, renowned worldwide for its light, crisp style. It's now a flagship variety of Northeastern Italy's white wine production. Pinot Grigio from this region is crafted in a fresh, unoaked style, intended for immediate enjoyment. It's light to medium-bodied, crisp, and refreshing. Typical aromas include green apple, pear, white peach, melon, and hints of citrus zest. Many expressions also exhibit delicate floral notes, reminiscent of white blossoms, and occasionally a faint almond or herbal edge. On the palate, it's crisp and dry, with bright acidity and subtle flavors of fresh orchard fruits and citrus. Some styles, especially those from higher altitudes, such as Alto Adige, exhibit a slight touch of mineral or wet stone character. The finish is typically fresh and brisk, making it a popular pairing for seafood and light dishes. Soils of Northeastern Italy The region's soils play a key role in shaping Pinot Grigio's style, imparting these wines with a distinct terroir character. In Friuli Venezia Giulia, the soils are rich in marl and sandstone, locally referred to as ponca. These well-drained, mineral-rich layers give Pinot Grigio from Friuli more aromatic depth and a slightly richer texture. In Trentino-Alto Adige, Pinot Grigio grows on alluvial fans, glacial deposits, limestone-rich foothills, and dolomitic rock. These soils, combined with cooler Alpine air, produce Pinot Grigio with pronounced freshness, vibrant acidity, and a distinct minerality. In the Veneto region, vineyards stretch across gravelly river plains and fertile plains near the Adriatic Sea. These soils favor higher yields and a lighter, more straightforward fruit profile. They're perfect for the crisp, easy-drinking style that made Pinot Grigio famous globally. Below is a brief background and tasting notes on a representative sample of inexpensive Pinot Grigio wines from Northeastern Italy. Piccini, Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC, 2024, 12% ABV, 750 ml. $11 Piccini, a well-known Tuscan family producer, crafts this fresh Pinot Grigio from select vineyards in the Delle Venezie DOC, Italy's heartland for crisp, approachable whites. The wine is a pale straw with green reflections, featuring aromas of crisp pear, green apple, and white flowers. It's light-bodied on the palate, showcasing citrus notes, hints of peach, and a hint of almond. A brisk acidity and a clean, refreshing finish make this a perfect aperitivo. Pinot Grigio hanging on the vine few days before the harvest getty Domenica, Pinot Grigio, Trentino DOC, 2024, 12.5% ABV, 750 ml. $16 Domenica highlights the alpine freshness of Trentino's cooler, high-altitude vineyards, producing a more aromatic and mineral-driven Pinot Grigio. The wine is pale yellow, featuring delicate aromas of white peach, wild herbs, and a hint of mountain wildflowers. The palate showcases fresh pear and melon, with a subtle mineral edge. Crisp acidity carries a dry, elegant finish with a whisper of citrus zest. Mezzacorona, Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie DOC, 2024, 12.5% ABV, 750 ml. $9 Mezzacorona is one of Northern Italy's largest cooperatives, known for its clean, reliable, and fruit-forward Pinot Grigio wines. The grapes come mainly from the cool foothills of the Dolomites. The wine is a light straw, featuring notes of green apple, lemon peel, and honeysuckle. It's brisk and zesty on the palate with flavors of pear, citrus, and a hint of mineral salinity. The finish is light, crisp, tangy, and easy-drinking, with lingering notes of apple and citrus. Livio Felluga, Pinot Grigio, 2023, 13% ABV, 750 ml $30 Livio Felluga, a benchmark producer in Friuli Venezia Giulia, crafts one of Italy's most refined Pinot Grigios, renowned for complexity and depth. The wine is a deep straw yellow with golden hints, featuring aromas of ripe pear, apple blossom, and delicate spice. It's smooth and textured on the palate with layers of orchard fruit, subtle herbs, and a creamy mouthfeel balanced by lively acidity. The finish is long and polished with a lingering touch of saline minerality. Jermann, Pinot Grigio, Friuli, 2023, 13% ABV, 750 ml. $26 Jermann is one of Friuli's most iconic wineries, renowned for its expressive whites that combine precision and character. Their Pinot Grigio is a standout for its purity and nuanced complexity. The wine is pale yellow, featuring aromas of pear, white peach, and a faint hint of almond. It's brisk on the palate with crisp apple, stone fruit, and a gentle floral note. A balanced acidity and silky texture result in a refined, lingering finish. Pasqua, Pinot Grigio DOC, 2023, 12% ABV, 750 ml. $11 Pasqua is a historic Verona-based winery that produces accessible, fresh wines, capturing the easy-drinking side of Pinot Grigio from the Veneto region. The wine is a pale straw with greenish highlights, featuring aromas of green apple, lemon, and spring flowers. It's light and crisp on the palate with notes of pear, citrus zest, and a fresh, brisk acidity. It's refreshing and straightforward, perfect for casual sipping. Ventessea by Mezzacorona, Pinot Grigio IGT, 2023, 9% ABV, 750 ml. $15 Ventessea is a new label by Mezzacorona, focusing on youthful, fruit-driven, low-alcohol Pinot Grigio crafted for modern palates. The color is a light straw, featuring aromas of ripe pear, melon, and a touch of citrus blossom. It's smooth and lively on the palate, showcasing ripe orchard fruits and a crisp, dry finish. The finish is brisk with balanced acidity and a soft texture. Autumn landscape in Collio Wine region, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy getty Kettmeir, Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, 2023, 13.5% ABV, 750 ml. $22 Kettmeir, nestled in Alto Adige's cool, high-altitude alpine climate, produces elegant, minerally Pinot Grigio that reflects the region's distinctive terroir. The wine is a pale yellow, featuring a fragrant nose of pear, white peach, and mountain herbs. It's tangy and crisp on the palate, showcasing green apple, citrus, and a flinty mineral edge. Bright acidity and a refreshing minerality result in a lingering, dry finish. Pinot Grigio from Northeastern Italy is defined by cool-climate freshness, clean orchard fruit, and the region's diverse mineral soils, which add subtle finesse. Its light, dry style makes it one of the world's favorite whites — approachable, versatile, and reliably refreshing. These wines exemplify the immense diversity that Pinot Grigio from Northeastern Italy offers, ranging from the minerally edged wines of Alto Adige to the tangy, zesty, and fruit-forward wines of the Veneto. These are easy-drinking wines that pair well with a variety of foods and make excellent aperitifs. They are also extremely economical and well worth exploring. More From Forbes Forbes The Best White Wines Under $10, According To The Top Wine Competitions By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The Best White Wines, According To The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers Of America By Joseph V Micallef Forbes Riesling Wine's 590th Anniversary: Toasting Purity, Precision And Passion By Joseph V Micallef
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Riesling Wine's 590th Anniversary: Toast Purity, Precision, & Passion
Two glasses of Riesling wine with a Mosel river valley vineyard in the background. getty Riesling is Germany's most iconic grape, celebrated worldwide for producing some of the most nuanced, age-worthy white wines on the planet. It's deeply tied to Germany's wine identity and has been cultivated there for centuries. This year marks the 590th anniversary of Riesling's documented cultivation in Germany, although it was likely cultivated much earlier. Below is a brief overview of the history of the Riesling grape and tasting notes on a representative sample of Riesling wines. Origins Riesling's birthplace is likely the Rhine region of Germany. The first documented mention of Riesling dates to March 13, 1435, in a cellar inventory from Rüsselsheim, near the Rheingau. By the 15th and 16th centuries, Riesling had spread through the Rhine and Mosel valleys, prized for its ability to thrive in steep, slate-rich vineyards and its capacity to express terroir with remarkable precision. Over the centuries, Riesling became the backbone of Germany's top vineyard sites along the Mosel, Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Pfalz, and Nahe. It was so highly regarded that, during the 18th and 19th centuries, great German Rieslings often commanded higher prices than First Growth Bordeaux and Burgundy Grand Crus. Today, it represents about 25% of Germany's vineyard capacity. Riesling is highly expressive of terroir. Vineyards on slate, limestone, or sandstone impart distinct mineral notes, aroma, and taste profiles. Its naturally high acidity keeps wines vibrant and age-worthy. Riesling also offers a wide range of styles from bone dry to ultra-sweet. Additionally, it is among the longest-lived white wines. Top Rieslings can evolve in the bottle for decades, producing honeyed, petrol, and dried fruit nuances. The varietal's resilience in cool climates, its naturally high acidity, and its ability to ripen slowly while retaining aromatic complexity made it perfect for Germany's challenging northern vineyards. It can excel in styles ranging from bone-dry Trocken to progressively sweeter Kabinett, Auslese, Spatlese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, and Eiswein — often from the same vineyard. Riesling is also widely used in Germany to craft sparkling wines. Aroma and Taste Profile Riesling is intensely aromatic. Young dry examples show lively notes of green apple, lime, lemon zest, pear, and white peach along with floral hints of jasmine and honeysuckle. Aged Riesling develops its signature kerosene/diesel note — a prized trait for serious fans, often emerging naturally from the grape's high concentration of specific aroma precursors. Riesling is defined by its marked acidity, a perfect counterpoint to its natural sweetness and fruitiness, lending even the ripest, sweetest examples a fresh, acidic backbone. Dry versions are crisp and mineral-driven, with flavors of fresh orchard fruit and citrus, often accompanied by herbal notes and a distinct wet stone minerality. Sweeter styles feature flavors of ripe apricot, honey, candied citrus peel, and exotic spices, balanced by that signature acid snap. The finish is usually long, clean, and mouthwatering with lingering fruity notes. View over the Riesling vineyards near Bingen with the sights Mäuseturm, Rheinknie and Burg Ehrenfels getty Below is a brief description and tasting notes on a selection of German Riesling wines that illustrate the range of their aroma and taste profile. Karl Haidle, Ritzling, 2021 Riesling Trocken, 12% ABV, 750 ml. Karl Haidle is a standout Swabian estate in Württemberg, renowned for its elegant dry Rieslings and expressive terroir-driven wines. 'Ritzling' is their fresh, youthful, bone-dry style, perfect for everyday sipping. It makes an excellent aperitif. The wine is pale straw, featuring crisp aromas of green apple, lime zest, and a hint of crushed slate minerality. The palate is tangy and mineral-driven, with notes of tart pear, citrus peel, and a bracing, clean finish. A classic Trocken style Riesling with mouthwatering acidity, a refreshing edge, and lingering orchard fruit notes. Dönnhoff, Oberhäuser Leistenberg, Riesling Kabinett, 2021, 8.5% ABV, 750 ml. Dönnhoff is a legendary Nahe estate renowned for its precise and expressive Rieslings. Oberhäuser Leistenberg is a steep, sheltered vineyard that produces refined Kabinett wines, characterized by delicate sweetness balanced with vibrant acidity. The wine is light gold, featuring aromas of white peach, lemon blossom, and wet stone. The palate showcases crisp green apple and ripe pear, with a hint of sweetness, typical of Kabinett-style Rieslings, balanced by pronounced acidity. It's elegant and flavorful, with a subtle finish and lingering minerality. Monchhof, Mosel Slate, Riesling Spätlese, 8% ABV, 750 ml. One of the Mosel's oldest estates, dating back to 1177, Monchhof crafts classic Mosel Spätlese: a lightly sweet, delicate, and intensely mineral wine from the region's signature slate soils. The wine is a pale yellow, featuring notes of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle. The palate showcases ripe stone fruit, hints of tangerine, and a touch of floral honey, offset by crisp acidity. The finish is subtly sweet, balanced by vibrant freshness and a clean, lingering slatey note. Selbach-Oster, Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese, Schmitt, 2019, 8% ABV, 750 ml. Selbach-Oster's Auslese from the steep Schlossberg vineyard highlights the Mosel's ability to make lusciously sweet wines with great finesse. The 'Schmitt' parcel often produces tiny yields of botrytized berries. The wine is golden yellow, featuring aromas of canned peaches, honeycomb, and orange marmalade. It's lush and viscous on the palate, showcasing apricot, mango, and spicy ginger. The rich sweetness is balanced by lively acidity, resulting in a silky, lingering, and luxurious finish. A glass and bottle of a late harvest Riesling white wine on a barrel with a vineyard in the background getty Dr. Loosen, Riesling Beerenauslese, 2017, 7% ABV, 375 ml. Dr Loosen is one of the Mosel's most respected producers. This Beerenauslese is made from individually hand-selected, botrytized berries — a rare, luscious dessert wine. The wine is a rich, deep gold featuring intense aromas of dried apricot, honeyed figs, and caramelized orange peel. The palate is ultra-rich and syrupy, with layers of honey, spiced tropical fruit, and candied ginger. A racy acidity balances the sweetness, resulting in a luscious, age-worthy wine with a lingering, honeyed finish. Dr. Loosen Bros, Riesling Sparkling, 12% ABV, 750 ml. Dr. Loosen Bros crafts this fresh, lightly off-dry sparkling Riesling using the Charmat method. It's a crisp, easy-drinking sparkling wine that showcases bright Mosel fruit. The wine is a pale straw with a lively mousse, featuring aromas of green apple, lemon-lime, and white flowers. It's crisp and fruity on the palate with citrus and ripe pear notes, and a touch of sweetness balanced by zesty acidity. It's light-bodied, refreshing, and excellent as an aperitif. Riesling is one of the world's most iconic wines. Although produced all over the world, whether your preference is for lusciously sweet or bone-dry wines, still or sparkling, there is a Riesling wine tailor-made for your palate. What better way to celebrate the 590th anniversary of Riesling's cultivation than to explore the diversity of Germany's Riesling wines? More From Forbes Forbes The World-Class Riesling Wines Of The Finger Lakes Region Forbes The Top Rieslings, According To The San Francisco International Wine Competition Forbes The World's 50 Best Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards
Forbes
25-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
What's The Difference Between Riesling And Moscato? Here's Everything You Need To Know
Famous German quality white wine riesling, produced in Mosel wine regio from white grapes growing on ... More slopes of hills in Mosel river valley in Germany, bottle and glasses served outside in Mosel valley It starts innocently enough: you're standing in the wine aisle, peering at rows of cheerful white bottles. You want something fruity, maybe slightly sweet, something that won't clash with the spicy takeout you ordered or the lemon bars you baked on a whim. You reach for a Riesling—no, a Moscato. Wait, aren't they kind of the same thing? Not quite. If you've ever been caught in that moment of indecision, hovering between these two bright, aromatic whites, you're not alone. Both Riesling and Moscato have long histories, legions of fans, and reputations for being the 'fun wines'—floral, fruity, and perfect for sipping on patios or pairing with tricky foods. But lumping them together just because they share a spot in the sweeter spectrum does them both a disservice. These wines are not twins. They're not even siblings. Think of them more like distant cousins—raised on different continents, with different personalities, but who occasionally show up to the same party in floral prints and charm everyone in the room. One is crisp, high-acid, and unexpectedly complex. The other is juicy, frothy, and built for pleasure. One can age for decades; the other is best popped open while the sun's still out. One is the darling of sommeliers and spicy food lovers; the other is brunch's best friend. So how do you choose between them? More importantly—do you have to? Let's swirl, sniff, and sip our way through the differences between Riesling and Moscato, and find out which one belongs in your glass (or maybe… both). Sugar Isn't the Whole Story Bartender pouring white wine from bottle into glass indoors, closeup. Space for text At first glance, Riesling and Moscato can seem like cousins at the dessert table—floral, fruity, and often lower in alcohol than your standard Chardonnay. But while both wines tend to show up on the sweeter side, sugar is where their similarities start and stop. Riesling, hailing originally from Germany's Rhine region, is famously versatile. It can be dry, off-dry, sweet, or dessert-level unctuous. Moscato, short for Moscato d'Asti if you're talking about the Italian classic, is generally predictable: low in alcohol (around 5–6%), lightly sparkling, and sweet like a ripe peach plucked at peak summer. Think of Riesling as the jazz musician of the white wine world—full of nuance, structure, and improvisation. Moscato? She's the pop star. Fun, bright, effervescent, and unapologetically herself. Side-by-Side in the Glass white wine with grapes on old wooden table If you were to blind-taste them (and I recommend you do), here's what you might notice: Pairing Possibilities Two glasses of white wine with Brie and Prosciutto ham Because of its acidity, Riesling pairs beautifully with spicy foods—think Thai curry, Szechuan dishes, or Nashville hot chicken. Dry or off-dry Rieslings cut through heat like a citrus blade. Moscato, with its lower alcohol and juicy sweetness, is perfect for brunch spreads, fruit tarts, or as a solo sipper when you don't want to overthink things. Bottle Picks for the Curious Palate bottles of white wine in the supermarket Dry Riesling: 2019 Trimbach Riesling (Alsace, France) – Zippy and dry, this wine offers green apple, lemon peel, and a slight herbal note. It's crisp, food-friendly, and a reminder that not all Riesling is sweet. Pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp or goat cheese. Off-Dry Riesling: Dr. Loosen 'Blue Slate' Kabinett Riesling (Mosel, Germany) – Lightly sweet with juicy peach, tangerine, and slate minerality. A classic Kabinett that balances sugar with striking acidity. Try it with spicy Korean fried chicken or sushi. Classic Moscato: Vietti Moscato d'Asti (Piedmont, Italy) – A benchmark bottle: delicately sparkling, low in alcohol, and bursting with orange blossom, fresh pear, and sweet herbs. Perfect with panna cotta or just a hot afternoon. Fun New World Moscato: Barefoot Moscato (California) – Widely available and extremely budget-friendly. Expect a straightforward, sweet sip of peach and melon. It's not complex, but sometimes that's exactly what you want. So—Riesling or Moscato? If you like a wine that evolves in the glass, plays well with dinner, and walks the tightrope between sweet and structured, go for Riesling. If you're looking for something easy, crowd-pleasing, and just a little bubbly, Moscato is your best bet. And if you can't decide? There's no rule against keeping both in your fridge. Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you.
Forbes
23-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
What's The Difference Between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay?
A glass of white wine with grapes on a barrel Walk into any wine aisle and you'll likely be faced with an early decision: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay? They sit side by side on shelves and wine lists everywhere, from upscale restaurants to the corner grocery. And yet, stylistically, they might as well be from different planets. For beginners, these two white wines offer a perfect entry point into understanding how grape variety, climate, and winemaking style can shape what ends up in your glass. Sauvignon Blanc is the zesty extrovert—bright, herbal, and attention-grabbing. Chardonnay is the versatile shapeshifter—sometimes crisp and citrusy, other times rich and buttery, depending on where it's made and how it's treated in the cellar. Understanding the differences between the two isn't about picking a winner. It's about learning how wine communicates—how two grapes, both technically white, can feel like totally different experiences. Meet Sauvignon Blanc: The Zesty Minimalist Wine crops in a vineyard on the outskirts of Santiago, Chile. Chilean wine has a long history for a ... More New World wine region, as it was the 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors brought Vitis vinifera vines with them as they colonized the region. In the mid-19th century, French wine varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenère and Franc were introduced. Sauvignon Blanc is the kind of wine that announces itself the moment it hits the glass. There's no subtle slow burn here—it's a vivid splash of citrus and cut herbs, sometimes even an unmistakable whiff of jalapeño or fresh bell pepper. It's a wine that wakes up your senses, often described as 'racy' or 'crisp'—words that capture the zing of acidity dancing across your palate. Its home turf is the Loire Valley of France, particularly Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, where it shows a lean, flinty elegance. But in the past few decades, it's become practically synonymous with New Zealand, where winemakers in Marlborough turned up the volume on tropical fruit, passionfruit, and lime zest to create a signature style that took the wine world by storm. Sauvignon Blanc rarely sees oak, which means its flavors are direct and unvarnished—like a fruit salad served straight from the fridge. That chill factor is key: this is a wine meant to be refreshing. It's the glass you reach for after a long day or the one that pairs effortlessly with tangy goat cheese, bright vinaigrettes, and anything involving fresh herbs or seafood. Chardonnay: The Shape-Shifter of White Wine Chardonnay grapevines at an estate vineyard in BC's Okanogan winemaking region. If Sauvignon Blanc is easy to read, Chardonnay is more of a choose-your-own-adventure story. In some hands, it's clean and minerally, like a walk through a lemon grove on a cool morning. In others, it's rich and decadent, layered with flavors of vanilla, toasted oak, ripe apple, or even butterscotch. What's remarkable is that these wildly different styles all come from the same grape. That's because Chardonnay, unlike Sauvignon Blanc, is a relatively neutral variety. On its own, it doesn't shout. Instead, it takes cues from its surroundings—from the soil, the climate, and most of all, the winemaker's intentions. It's the grape equivalent of a great actor, able to transform completely depending on the role. In Burgundy, where the grape originated, Chardonnay is often elegant and restrained. A bottle of Chablis, made from unoaked Chardonnay, can be steely and austere, all lemon peel and crushed shells. Move into Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet, and it becomes creamier, with a richer texture and complex notes of almond and stone fruit. Cross the ocean to California, and things get broader and bolder. Chardonnay here often comes with generous oak aging and full malolactic fermentation, a process that softens acidity and gives the wine that signature buttery quality. You'll taste baked apples, caramel, and vanilla—and feel the plushness on your tongue like warm velvet. And yet, not all New World Chardonnay is oaky. More and more producers, from Sonoma to Australia's Margaret River, are embracing the grape's fresher side, making clean, citrus-driven wines that feel as crisp and compelling as a Sauvignon Blanc—just with a bit more heft. How They Show Up at the Table Food antipasto prosciutto ham, salami, olives and bread sticks. Charcuterie board. Two glasses of ... More white wine or prosecco One of the easiest ways to understand the difference between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay is to sit with them at dinner. Sauvignon Blanc is a natural with light, zippy dishes. Think arugula salads, shrimp tacos, Thai takeout, and fresh goat cheese. It's the wine of summer lunches, rooftop toasts, and impromptu picnics. Chardonnay, especially in its creamier expressions, asks for something heartier. It's ideal with roasted chicken, buttery seafood, pasta with cream sauce, or even Thanksgiving turkey. Unoaked versions can also be startlingly good with sushi, raw oysters, or simple grilled fish, especially when the wine's acidity is preserved. Both can be versatile, but they speak different culinary languages. Sauvignon Blanc brings brightness and lift; Chardonnay brings structure and depth. If Sauvignon Blanc is the lemon, Chardonnay is the butter—and the two don't compete so much as they occupy different moods. Bottles to Try bottles of white wine in the supermarket If you're just starting out and want to taste the classic styles side by side, here are a few trusted bottles: What To Choose Wine producer mane tasting the product after harvest and grape fermentation process - Vinification, ... More organic quality product and small business concept - Main focus on glass There's no need to choose a side in the Sauvignon Blanc vs. Chardonnay debate—because wine isn't about loyalty, it's about exploration. These two grapes are staples for a reason: they show the breadth of what white wine can be. One is bright and grassy, the other smooth and layered. One pairs with citrus-dressed greens, the other with creamy pastas and shellfish. The more you taste, the more you'll notice your preferences—maybe you lean toward unoaked styles across the board, or maybe you find yourself craving buttery Chardonnay on colder nights and Sauvignon Blanc by the pool. And the best part? You don't need to memorize a flavor wheel or pass a sommelier exam to enjoy either. Just pour, sip, and listen to what the wine is telling you. Because at the end of the day, the only real rule of wine is this: drink what you like. And with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, there's a whole lot to like.
Forbes
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Father's Day Gift Guide 2025: Unusual White Wines
Savagnin is an unusual white variety that's perfect for celebrating Father's Day. White wines aren't always associated with Father's Day, but these full-bodied white wines offer tastes that appeal to both white and red wine drinkers. These wines are different from the typical Sauv Blanc and Chardonnays. Here's a roundup of some more unusual wines to gift your father: Johan Vineyards 2023 Savagnin, $42 Reminiscent of Johan's beloved Chardonnay, but with more minerality and a very long finish. In 2017, Morgan was asked to 'care for' 200 baby Savagnin vines coming straight from the Foundation of Plant Sciences at UC Davis – the first of this grape variety in the US, as Savagnin grapes are native to the Jura region in eastern France. This delicious Viognier comes from a sustainable winery with a LEED-certified tasting room. Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden 2023 Viognier, $40 Cowhorn grows grape varietals historically associated with the Rhône River wine region of France. Just a few miles north of California, the property is home to a LEED-certified tasting room, notably awarded a Living Building Certification. This lush Viognier offers aromas of sea mist, oyster shells, and Comice pears are layered with citrus peel, jasmine, and lemon thyme. This refreshing white wine pairs nicely with grilled and barbecued dishes. Kendall-Jackson 2024 Vintner's Reserve Chenin Blanc, $17 Chenin Blanc is a refreshing summertime sip, that any dad will love to pair alongside a Father's Day BBQ spread. Chenin Blanc is a crisp and fruity wine, making it the perfect pair for rich, grilled meats so that after an indulgent bite, it is a refreshing and cleansing sip. This wine is also a great gift for the basketball obsessed dad, as Kendall-Jackson is the official wine partner of the NBA. This enticing Viognier is made to be paired with aromatic dishes. Bricoleur Vineyards 2024 Kick Ranch Viognier, $40 Bursting with heady aromas of orange blossom, honeysuckle, and ripe stone fruit, this Viognier is all about vibrant aromatics and texture, making it a natural match for fragrant dishes like coconut curry, grilled peaches with burrata, or lemongrass chicken. 'Viognier is one of the most aromatic and textured white varieties we grow, but also one of the most challenging,' says Tom Pierson, associate winemaker. 'At Kick Ranch, the warm days and cool nights give that rare balance—tropical fruit, floral intensity, and freshness. Our goal is always to let the grape speak for itself.' Just over 100 cases of this wine were made. Larkmead Vineyards 2023 Chenin Blanc $75 For the dad who appreciates the unexpected, Larkmead's 2023 Estate Chenin Blanc is a standout gift. Sourced from their forward-thinking Research Block, this rare Napa white offers vibrant acidity, subtle oak richness, and layers of green apple, pear, and lime leaf. With only 107 cases made, it's as exclusive as it is expressive—a lively, sophisticated bottle that reflects the vineyard's legacy of innovation and is perfect for dads who value both tradition and trailblazing. This captivating white wine comes from Napa Valley. Silverado Vineyards 2023 Borreo Ranch Kerner, $42 Kerner is rarely found in California, and Silverado's expression of this aromatic German variety is both unexpected and captivating. Grown in the historic Borreo Ranch Vineyard, this bottling is bursting with notes of white peach and orange blossom, and layered with lemon, lime, stone fruit, honeysuckle, and golden delicious apple. A precise backbone of acidity adds vibrancy, while a crisp, mineral finish brings a refined edge. It's an exuberant yet structured white that's as rare as it is refreshing. This Chenin Blanc hails from Monterrey County. Chalone Vineyard 2024 Estate Chenin Blanc, $52 Some might consider Chenin Blanc to be a rising star in the United States but few producers can claim the legacy and terroir-driven intensity of Chalone Vineyard. Perched in the remote Gabilan Mountains, Chalone's estate vines yield a wine that's intensely aromatic—jasmine, pineapple, passion fruit, and orange blossom leap from the glass. On the palate, a creamy texture is perfectly counterbalanced by zippy acidity, showcasing a masterful balance that speaks to both the site's limestone-rich soils and the vineyard's storied past. This lovely white wine is perfect for pairing with grilled pork, which makes it a great choice for a ... More Father's Day barbecue. Dr. Konstantin Frank Wines 2023 Gruner Veltliner, $20 This lovely German varietal hails from the Finger Lakes wine region. It is grown in a sustainable vineyard, and it offers cool scents of guava, rosewater, and candied lime with touches of apricot and papaya on the finish. This sleek wine pairs beautifully with cheese, pork and grilled veggies. Meadows Estate makes some fantastic Viogniers, including this lovely expression. Meadows Estate Vineyard and Winery 2024 Wild & Free Viognier, $27 This lovely Viognier is a full-bodied white wine with floral aromas that offers rich, lush apple, pear, tangerine and pineapple aromas. 'Wine is often associated with celebration and gratitude, making it a fitting way to toast your dad and everything he's done,' says Marilyn Meadows, winery owner. This Viognier, she says, pairs perfectly with food, especially fish, seafood and summer dishes. This Australian white wine blend makes for a sophisticated gift. Tournon 2022 Mathilde, $21 For the dad who loves something a little different, this Rhône-style blend of Viognier and Marsanne from Tournon in Australia delivers layers of stone fruit, spice, and a hint of honey. It's a versatile food wine—perfect with grilled sea bass or roast chicken—and a refreshing change of pace from the usual reds. Rioja isn't just good for deep, complex red wines - it also is home to some stellar whites. Conde Valdemar 2024 Blanco, $17.99 While the Rioja wine region of Spain is known for its Tempranillos, the region also makes some amazing wine primarily from Viura, with Malvasia, Sauvignon Blanc, and Garnacha, this Blanca has a savory complexity, and textured elegance with its white fruit, delicate almond tree flowers, and herbal-balsamic tones. This wine is a true expression of the freshness that Rioja holds within its soils,' says Antonio Orte, winemaker. 'It's a highly drinkable, versatile wine." Unfined, unfiltered, and aged in stainless steel and neutral oak, this white blend is all about ... More vibrancy. Neighborhood Winery 2024 Harvest Moon White Wine Blend, $35 This Father's Day, toast the guy who does it all with a wine as balanced and refreshing as he is. Harvest Moon merges Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Pali Wine Co. 's organically farmed Pali Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, crafted in homage to the laid-back charm of Portuguese Vinho Verde and Basque Country Txakolina styles. This wine is aged briefly in stainless steel and neutral oak, offering aromas of wet stone, green apple, and gooseberry. This refreshing white wine is from Oregon. Cedar + Salmon 2024 Pinot Gris, $18.99 This Willamette Valley white wine offers delicate aromas of crushed gravel, white flowers and a burst of lime zest over fresh melon. Crisp and refreshing, it pairs beautifully with seafood, goat cheese and herbaceous and citrus-forward dishes. This is a lovely white blend from France. Alain Jaume 2024 Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Crafted from a mix of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Viognier and Roussanne grapes, this Rhône Valley white wine offers aromas of flowers and stone fruits. It is a lively white wine that's great for pairing with fish and seafood.
