I was recently contacted by fix.com about an article that Joe Roberts, otherwise known as 1WineDude, wrote for their website. The title, Off-the-Beaten-Path White Wine Varieties and Why You Should Try Them, caught my eye because I am a white wine lover.
Generally speaking I agree with the list although I really think it depends on your wine experience. For instance, I’m familiar with all of them and have had several of each variety listed. That’s not me being a snob about anything. I’ve just been fortunate to have some awesome wine friends that have or make some good stuff.
Let me know what you think? Are these varieties off the beaten path?
Source: Fix.com
Not too far off the path – they seem to be common in many Paso wineries, but certainly not the mainstay of white wine. White wine is interesting. A sommelier once told me that people get to know wine trying white, then they gravitate to red. When their tastes mature and they can appreciate good wine, they gravitate back to white. Personally, while I still enjoy complex reds, I think whites have a greater range of expression than reds. These less common whites are good examples of the range of whites.
Some great points, Mark. I got into reds first than went to white. I love both but through the year I definitely drink more white. So many great wines out there, red and white.
What Mark is saying is so true. I find myself bringing home more whites from my visits to the Central Coast and they are the offbeat varietals. Recently, Malvasia Bianca & Verdelho and weekend before it was Albarino & Gruner Veltliner. Still brought home reds both weekends but my fridge is full of whites…so much so we are eating out too much…no room for food!
Joanie, how funny. Yes, I say we buy a lot of ‘not common’ whites but also pick the typical Chardonnay here and there still. So many white wine choices out there, I love that.
Those are all great wines, but not too far off the path for me either! Verdelho and Vermintino maybe gets a bit more to the path less taken. Last night we had a great Altesse grape, a Rousette de Savoie. Very good, and a bit different.
Definitely good to encourage people to try more varietals!
Well said, David. I agree. I really think trying varieties you aren’t used to is fun and the best way to push your palate. I have not had the Altesse grape…need to check that out.