One of our most popular sections in every store and proof that these lesser-known white wine grapes deserve their due!
In today's wine-drinking world, it's possible to go into any corner liquor store and grab a bottle of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio. These grapes are, by and large, the most popular grapes among white wine drinkers the world over, but it's easy to lose touch with quality and sense of place when the wine is so ubiquitous. Big producers know this, and they homogenize their wines to taste, well, just like you expect them to. Not to take away from the producers of truly fine expressions of the above grapes - we have plenty in-store that we love and recommend - but there's excitement and value to be found when you wander down this particular aisle. But...where to start?
If you're inspired to try a new white wine, our favorite place to go for exciting new varietals is Italy. These wines take up the majority of our section, and for good reason! If you're a fan of Pinot Grigio but don't want to just buy another bottle of Santa Margherita, try a bottle of Soave from Veneto or Greco di Tufo from Campania - we love Ciro Picariello! If Sancerre is your jam, try Vernaccia from Tuscany, intense in minerality with balanced acidity and lots of character. Big, Burgundian whites got your number? Try a bottle of Fiano di Avellino from Campania. These wines will age beautifully and develop for years to come.
Of course, we have many more wines for you to try from the rest of the world as well - German and Finger Lakes Rieslings, natural, expressive white blends from California like Gros Ventre's High Country White. Also, don't forget, your favorite wine-producing regions have other white wines grapes that are equally as interesting (and tasty!) like Aligote from Burgundy and Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley.
That's why we love our Worldly Whites section. Not only is it a new adventure every time you walk through, but it's also dominated by small, family-owned and operated producers. What that means for you is, typically, small production, limited intervention and organic/biodynamic practices that makes for incredible wine. After all, the best wines are made in the vineyard, not the winery. The next time you're in one of our stores, stop by our Worldly Whites section and ask one of our Wine Specialists about some of their favorites. Odds are they'll have a great recommendation for you!
Cheers! 🍾
