How to Drink White Wine

White wine is a versatile wine that pairs well with many dishes, such as seafood, pasta, and chicken. Certain white wines can be delicate, however, so it’s important to know how to treat a white wine in order to achieve the best experience from it.

• Chill For 30-45 Minutes Before Drinking.  Many people think you should throw a bottle of white wine in the refrigerator as soon as you buy it and leave it there until you’re ready to drink it, whether that’s tonight, tomorrow, or two weeks from now. Sipping wine that is still at refrigerator temperature will be too cold and aromas will be muted at first. Instead, pop the bottle into the fridge when you start cooking dinner, and it will be good to go by the time you’re ready to start eating OR let the wine sit on the counter if it has been in the refrigerator for a while and let it come up to temperature of about 45-50 degrees. Rule of thumb: the lighter the wine, the cooler the temperature. White wine is best served several degrees above refrigerator temperature. Mira’s Chardonnays are best appreciated at a chill 50°F
• Always Use The Right Glass. White wine should be sipped out of a glass with a much narrower mouth than red wine and it should be held at the stem to keep the wine cool.
• Select A Wine That Complements The Meal. While white wines are very versatile in terms of food pairings, certain wines pair better with some foods than with others. If you pick a wine that doesn’t complement the flavors of the food you’re eating, it can leave a bad taste in your mouth. Try some of the recipes we’ve been adding to our Stories page for the right pairing!

If you are still thinking to yourself, “I’m not sure I like Chardonnay or white wine in general,” take a look at the Mira Estate White Blend, Mira Estate Franc Blanc or the Mira Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard. These delicious whites can get your tailgate off to a roaring start or finish off a long day on the patio. The acidity is light and refreshing, and the crisp citrus flavor complements a variety of meats found at your favorite sporting venue or social event.