National White Wine Day is on August 4, and we’re celebrating with some fun facts about white wine! Did you know that the first trace of white wine that has been found dates to 7500 years ago, in present-day Iran? Or that among the many types of white wine, dry white wine is the most common? In this blog post, we’ll discuss more fun facts, different types of white wine produced by RayLen Vineyards, and give you some tips on how to drink them. So pour yourself a glass of your favorite RayLen white wine and join us in celebrating National White Wine Day!
Fun Facts About White Wine
As we mentioned before, the first trace of white wine dates back to present-day Iran, about 7540 years ago. This means that white wine is one of the oldest types of alcoholic beverages in the world! The earliest known mention of white wine is in the Epic of Gilgamesh, which is an epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia, regarded as the earliest surviving notable literature. White wine is mainly from “white” grapes, which are green or yellow in color. The grapes are harvested while they are still young and have not had a chance to ripen fully on the vine. The juice from these grapes is then fermented with yeast, and sometimes other ingredients like sugar or spices. White wine can be made in a variety of styles, from dry to sweet, and everything in between.
The most common type of white wine is dry white wine, which contains very little to no residual sugar in the wine. Dry white wines are typically light-bodied and have a crisp, clean flavor. Some of the most popular types of dry white wine include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio. RayLen offers three different Chardonnay wines: a steel, a barrel, and a reserve barrel.
If you’re looking for a sweeter white wine, you might want to try a dessert wine like Riesling. Dessert wines are usually higher in sugar than other types of wine, and they often have fruity flavors like apricot or peach. RayLen’s 2020 Riesling is our newest release. Rich and ripe with exotic fruit and sweet spice nuances displaying apricot, honeysuckle, and tangelo fruit.
The most expensive white wine is the single bottle of Chateau d’Yquem (1811), which was sold for £75,000 ($117,000) by The Antique Wine Company, London, UK, on 18 January 2011. The bottle was bought by Christian Vanneque, owner of SIP Wine Bar in Bali, Indonesia.
Drinking Tips
Now that you know a little bit more about white wine, it’s time to learn how to drink it! Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your white wine:
Serve chilled: Most white wines taste best when they’re served cold, so be sure to chill your wine for at least an hour before drinking it.
Pair with food: White wine is a great choice for pairing with food because it can enhance the flavors of both the food and the wine. Try pairing dry white wines like Chardonnay with lighter fare like salads or seafood, and sweet white wines like Riesling with dessert.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different types of white wine until you find one that you like. There are so many different styles of white wine out there, so it’s just a matter of finding the right one for you.
RayLen Vineyards: White Wines
RayLen Vineyards and Winery produces a variety of white wines, from dry to sweet. Our Riesling is a sweet white wine with aromas of exotic fruit and sweet spice nuances displaying apricot, honeysuckle, and tangelo fruit. Our Chardonnay, available in convenient cans, is a dry white wine that utilizes cool stainless steel fermentation. Ripe green apple and poached pear flavors are supported by a zesty acidity. For something in between, try our White Carolinius, this is a medium dry white fruit bomb with a crisp and clean finish.
Do you have a favorite white wine from RayLen Vineyards? Or maybe you’re looking to try something new? Stop by RayLen Vineyards in Mocksville, NC for a White Wine Tasting. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through a variety of white wines, from dry to sweet. And if you find something you like, we’ll be happy to help you purchase a bottle (or two!) to take home with you.
We hope you enjoyed learning about white wine and celebrating National White Wine Day with us. We look forward to seeing you soon!