The legendary medium-bodied white wines everyone should know
Medium-bodied white wines are among the most versatile and widely consumed. These wines are adored for their crisp acidity and fruity aromas that can easily pair with a wide range of meals and occasions. Medium-bodied whites offer a complex and refreshing drinking experience. In this article, we will explore some of the legendary medium-bodied white wines that everyone should know. Whether you are a new wine drinker or a seasoned enthusiast, these wines are guaranteed to impress your palate and leave you craving more. So grab your wine glass and get ready to discover some of the most delicious and famous medium-bodied white wines that will soon become your go-to favourites.
Medium-bodied white wine
Medium-bodied white wine is a type of wine that is neither too light nor too full-bodied. Typically, medium-bodied white wines range from dry to slightly sweet. These wines have a moderate alcohol content, between 11% and 13.5%. They are refreshing and easy to drink, with a crisp, clean finish. It has a balance of acidity and fruitiness, making it a versatile wine to pair with different types of food. Medium-bodied white wines are best served chilled and pair well with seafood, chicken and pork dishes, salads, and pasta with cream sauces. They are also an excellent choice for sipping on their own for outdoor events and social gatherings. Medium-bodied whites are often more affordable than full-bodied whites, making them a perfect option for any budget.
Chenin Blanc/Vouvray
AKA: Bonnezeaux – Cremant d’ Loire (sparkling) – Pineau – Pineau de la Loire – Pino Blanco (Latin America) – Quarts de Chaume – Savennieres – Steen (South Africa) – Vouvray*
*Vouvray is 100% Chenin Blanc from the Vouvray region of the Loire Valley in France.
Chenin Blanc is a white wine grape variety that is notoriously versatile and adaptable to different winemaking styles. It is originally from the Loire Valley in France but is now grown globally, including South Africa, Argentina, and the United States.
Chenin Blanc is known for its crisp acidity, ranging from tart to sweet, depending on the area and the winemaking style. It is a versatile grape variety that can produce both dry and sweet wines and sparkling and fortified wines. Chenin Blanc is known for its acidity, mineral notes, and honey and quince aromas in the Loire Valley. It is used to make famous wines such as Vouvray and Savennières. In South Africa, it is often used for making dry, crisp wines, while in California, it is usually made in medium-bodied white wines with notes of tropical fruits such as pineapple and guava.
And with its variety of expressions, there are many pairing possibilities. Because of Chenin Blanc’s excellent acidity and inherently sweet flavour, it pairs well with foods with sweet and sour elements.
Serving temperature
Serving Chenin Blanc at the right temperature can enhance the wine’s flavours and aromas. The ideal serving temperature for Chenin Blanc is between 7-13°C/45-55°F. This range allows the wine to showcase its vibrant acidity and floral notes while preserving its fruitiness.
Characteristics
| Body | Acidity | Sweetness | Tannins | |
| cool climate (Vouvray) | light to medium | high | dry to off-dry | medium |
| warm climate | medium | medium | dry, fruity | low |
| demi-sec | medium to full | perceived as low | sweet | low |
Sémillon
AKA: Sémillon – Wyndruif (South Africa) – Hunter Valley Riesling (Australia) – Boal (Portugal) – Blanc Doux – Boal – Colombier – Goulon Blanc – Gros Semillon – Hunter River Riesling – Monsois Blanc – Petit Semmillon – Sauternes – Semijon – Semilion – Semillon Blanc – White Sercial, St. Emilion – Wynedruif
Sémillon is a white grape variety commonly used to produce wines in the Bordeaux region of France. The grape is also grown in other parts of the world, including Australia, South Africa and California.
Sémillon wines are known for their medium to full body, with flavours of lemon, honey, and sometimes a slightly waxy texture. They are often blended with other white grape varieties, such as Sauvignon Blanc, which adds an herbaceous character to the wine. Sémillon wines can also be aged in oak barrels, which imparts notes of vanilla and spice.
These wines pair well with seafood, poultry, and creamy sauces. Due to its versatility and ability to improve with age, Sémillon is a popular choice for winemakers seeking to produce complex and flavourful white wines.
Serving temperature
Sémillon should be served slightly chilled, between 10-12°C/50-54°F. Serving Sémillon at this temperature provides a balance between minimizing the wine’s acidity and allowing the fruit flavours to shine through.
Characteristics
| Body | Acidity | Sweetness | Tannins | |
| as a varietal | medium | low | dry | low |
| late harvest (Sauternes) | full | low | sweet | low |
The classic wine categories include sparkling, white (light, medium and full-bodied), rosé, red (light, medium and full-bodied) and dessert wine.
Sparkling wine is known for its effervescence, with carbon dioxide bubbles naturally forming during fermentation. White (light, medium and full-bodied) wine is usually produced from lighter-coloured grapes with a lighter body and a more delicate flavour. Rosé wine is a pink-coloured wine made from red grapes with a refreshing taste and versatile food pairings. Red (light, medium and full-bodied) wine is typically made from dark-coloured grapes, giving it a deeper colour and bold flavour profile. Dessert wine is a type of wine that is sweet and often served after a meal or paired with desserts.
These classic wine categories are the foundation of the wine industry and the starting point for exploring the many variations and complexities within each category.
This article is part of “How to plan an unforgettable wine & cheese party”
These tips are from my own experience;
I’m neither a party organizer, a sommelier, nor a turophile (a cheese connoisseur).
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