“Chardonnay can be a safe bet, a crowd-pleaser, especially if it’s an American blend. And, for what it’s worth, an “unoaked chardonnay”-meaning not aged in oak barrels-will often have a much lighter body, and carry some stronger, fruitier flavors that might be absorbed during the process. But American chardonnay will typically be creamy, and more “buttery” than blends that come from the Burgundy region of France, for example (which will be a little more pointed, and will cut through some softer foods). On the whole, it will usually be fruity, velvety, and full. There’s a lot to be considered here.”Ĭhardonnay is thought by many to be “standard white wine. And the profile can also vary greatly depending on the region. “But in reality, it’s a lot more full-bodied and aggressive than you may think. “You know, a lot of people consider chardonnay to be a safe bet, something light and easy and comfortable,” Jenkins says. Remember: There's nothing sexier than ordering with confidence-except for ordering white wine with confidence. So take a few minutes and school yourself on these seven styles of white wine. To help us navigate through these murky, off-white waters, we’ve enlisted the help of Tracy Jenkins, the beverage director for Nicky’s Coal Fired-a Nashville-based Italian eatery with an extensive and exhaustive wine list-who definitely knows what the hell she is talking about. Or doing both at the same time, which sounds kind of fun.īut if you don’t really know the difference between a buttery chardonnay and a citrus-accented pinot grig, how are you supposed to walk into a wine store with confidence, or order from an extensive wine list with any semblance of certainty? Wine is an investment, and how can you be expected to invest wisely if you don’t know what hell you are talking about? While red wine seems to be the preferred vino for so-called connoisseurs, its lighter cousin (you know…white wine) should not be discounted, as it’s the ideal choice for everything from getting toasty with your mom, to eating a nice plate of Long Island oysters. And his message still rings true to this day. Rumi-the legendary Persian poet-delivered this equally legendary line almost one thousand years ago. “Either give me more wine or leave me alone.”

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