Best Online White Wine Selection in Singapore
What is white wine?
White wine, produced by fermentation of colourless grape pulp, is considered to be the lighter and more refreshing alternative to red wines, with a less intense finish and aftertaste. There are hundreds of varieties of white wine, all of which are characterised by their variety of grape, production method, and ratios of residual sugars. A common misconception is that white wines are only made from “white” grapes that look green or yellow, however this is not the case! The difference between white and red wines is that the grapes for white wines are fermented without skin contact. Typical production for white wines include de-stemming and pressing before fermentation at cooler temperatures to better retain a sweet, fruity aroma.
Types of white wine
As previously mentioned, there are hundreds of varieties of white wine, however there are some go-to favourites that you’ve definitely heard of before.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is unusual due to how versatile it is - with the ability to grow Chardonnay in both cooler and warmer climates, it’s easily one of the most commonly planted white grape varieties around the world. Thought to have originated in the Burgundy region in France, it became highly popular in Australia where winemakers in various regions have the freedom to experiment with and produce a range of flavours, from full-flavoured to light-bodied wines, and even multi-regional blends that are broadly labeled as South Eastern Australian. Malolactic fermentation, oak treatment, and time spent on the lees during production may add rich, buttery and nutty flavours to a typical Chardonnay blend with notes of pear, apple, and other citrus flavours.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is a typically cool-climate white grape that is common in the Loire Valley in France. With higher acidity and displays of floral and honeyed aromas, it can be found in dry and sweeter styles of wine.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer is widely aromatic and recognisable by its heady scent, with medium to high natural alcohol content and a lower level of acidity. Widely grown in Germany and France’s Alsace region and frequently found in sweet wines, Gewurztraminer can also be used for dry and off-dry white wines.
Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio
Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are two wines made from the same variety of grape, but in different styles. Pinot Gris/Grigio from winemakers in the Northern Italian regions of Trentino or Friuli are deemed consistently outstanding, while plantings of this variety of grape began in Australia in the 1980s. A white variety of the Pinot Noir grape found in France’s Alsace region, this style of wine is fresh and dry, light in body and extremely food-friendly with moderate fruity notes and levels of acidity.
Riesling
Riesling, a fruity, aromatic wine, has been cultivated in regions across France, Germany, and Austria for centuries, making it hard to pinpoint its origin. With green apple, citrus, and peach flavours in cool climates, it is fruity and floral, and can be found in a variety of styles ranging from dry to sweet white wines.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc, a highly popular type of grape in France, is commonly blended with Semillon to produce a bone-dry white wine. More specifically, late harvest Sauvignon Blanc produces wonderfully sweet wines such as Sauternais, which can be paired beautifully with more savoury food to create the perfect balance of tastes. It differs greatly depending on soil conditions and climate, however typically requires a cooler climate to display high acidity. Sauvignon Blanc can be both light and crisp or rich and medium-bodied, with a range of flavours including citrus, pineapple, and peach.
Sémillon
Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc’s frequent blending mate, can make a fine dry white wine such as the Australian style from Hunter Valley, where the fruit is picked early with low sugar levels. Late-harvest Semillon on the other hand can be used in some of the greatest dessert wines. Typically lower in acidity, Semillon ages nicely, developing toasty and leafy notes when aged in oak.
Viognier
Viognier is an intensely aromatic style of wine that is highly popular nowadays, but almost went extinct in the 1960s due to how difficult it is to make, as well as its unpredictability in the vineyard. Unripe Viognier can be overly bitter, whereas overripe grapes turn flabby. Originating from the northern regions of Condrieu and Chateau Grillet in the Rhone Valley, Viognier smells of citrus rind, apricots, and peaches when perfectly ripened.
What are the best white wine brands?
Choosing a good wine can be daunting, and although France, Italy, and Australia are in contention for the top spots in white wine production, you can enjoy a range of high quality white wines right here in Singapore.
Some of the top white wine brands are:
- Concha y Toro
- Lindemans
- Yellow Tail
- Casillero del Diablo
- Jacob’s Creek
- Hope Estate
Best priced white wine in Singapore
At Paneco.com, we stock high quality white wines in the styles mentioned above from various brands such as Concha y Toro and Maison Castel. We take pride in offering the best prices with no minimum spend and no hidden costs. What you see is what you get!
Where can I find the best white wine in Singapore?
If you're in Singapore and looking to shop for white wines online, use Paneco.com to find a wide assortment of quality wines delivered to your doorstep at the best price. We provide top-shelf alcohol straight to your house, with minimal hassle and absolutely nothing coming between you and the brands you love.
