Best White Wines And What to Eat With Them

Best White Wines to Buy Right Now (And What to Eat With Them)

Whether you love a zesty Sauvignon Blanc, a rich Chardonnay or something a bit more unusual, this guide will help you discover some of the best white wines to buy right now. Even better? I’ll let you know exactly what to eat with each one, how to chill your wine correctly, and whether or not that screw cap makes a difference (spoiler: it doesn’t).

This is your go-to guide for white wine all year round. Bookmark it, share it, and sip your way through it. Click here if you are looking for sparkling wine recommendations. Oh, but before we move on, why should you listen to me? Well, I hold a WSET Level 2 and 3 Award in Wines, and I am a professional food and wine writer. I am also a member of the Irish Guild of Food Writers.

Before we start, There’s no officially crowned “best white wine in the world”. Taste is just too subjective, but some wines repeatedly earn top marks from critics and competitions.

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet from Burgundy often earns the title of the finest white wine in the world. It’s rare, expensive, and said to be as close to perfection as wine gets.

Other contenders include:

Château d’Yquem (Sauternes, France) – a luxurious, sweet white with a cult following
Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese (Germany) – insanely complex and age-worthy
Coche-Dury Meursault (Burgundy, France) – rich, elegant, and iconic among Chardonnay lovers

But don’t worry, you don’t need to remortgage your house to find something spectacular. Wine doesn’t have to be rare or pricey to be incredible. Sometimes, the best white wine is the one in your fridge that makes your dinner sing.

Crisp & Dry White Wines

Wines to try:

Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand, Loire Valley)
Albariño (Spain)
Picpoul de Pinet (France)

Tastes like: Citrus, green apple, lime zest, herbs

Pairs well with: Goat’s cheese, shellfish, grilled chicken, salads with citrus dressing

These wines are lively, fresh, and packed with acidity, making them super refreshing and great with food. Think summer sippers that cut through creamy sauces and lighten up fried fish.

Aromatic & Fruity White Wines

Wines to try:

Riesling (Germany, Australia)
Viognier (France, South Africa)
Torrontés (Argentina)

Tastes like: Peach, honeysuckle, orange blossom, apricot

Pairs well with: Thai food, curries, spiced roast veg, pork

These whites smell like a bouquet and taste like sunshine. They’re great with flavour-packed food and even better with dishes that have a little spice.

Creamy & Oaked White Wines

Wines to try:

Chardonnay (California, Burgundy, Australia)
White Rioja (Spain)

Tastes like: Vanilla, butter, toasted nuts, baked apple

Pairs well with: Roast chicken, creamy pasta, mushroom risotto, rich seafood dishes

Big, bold, and buttery. These wines are fuller-bodied and great with hearty meals or fancy dinners.

Sweet & Off-Dry White Wines

Wines to try:

Moscato (Italy)
Gewürztraminer (Alsace)
Sauternes (France)

Tastes like: Lychee, honey, tropical fruit, spice

Pairs well with: Blue cheese, fruit tarts, spiced duck, paté

Don’t be afraid of sweet wines. They can be magic with food. The trick is to match sweetness with bold, salty or spicy flavours.

My Favourite Supermarket White Wines (Ireland Edition)

Aldi Specially Selected Gavi – crisp and minerally, perfect with seafood or roast courgette pasta
Lidl Côtes de Gascogne – fresh, light, and zingy with salads and goat’s cheese
Tesco Finest Chardonnay – creamy and rich, brilliant with roast chicken or mushroom pie
SuperValu’s Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough – punchy and classic, ideal for Thai takeaway nights

These bottles are easy to find, budget-friendly, and always go down well at the dinner table or in the back garden.

My Favourite White Wines Right Now

These are the white wines I find myself reaching for again and again:

Albariño – I adore its zingy citrus flavour and slightly salty finish. It’s perfect with seafood, sushi, or just on its own in the sunshine.
Riesling – Especially off-dry styles from Germany or the Clare Valley in Australia. It’s bright, aromatic, and amazing with anything spicy or with pork.
Cava – OK, technically a sparkling wine, but Cava deserves a mention. It’s crisp, dry, and incredibly food-friendly. I love it with salty snacks, tapas, and fish and chips. Plus, it always feels a bit celebratory.

How to Choose a Good White Wine

Buying white wine doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here’s how to narrow it down:

Know your grapes: If you like dry and crisp, go for Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño. Prefer smooth and creamy? Try Chardonnay or a white Rioja.
Check the region: Cooler climates = crisper wines. Warmer regions = rounder, fruitier wines.
Look at alcohol %: Lower ABV means lighter wine. Higher ABV = fuller-bodied.
Ask for help: Wine shop staff and even supermarket workers often have great tips.

How to Chill White Wine Fast

You don’t need a wine fridge to get the perfect chill. Here’s how to do it:

Fridge: 2–3 hours is ideal
Freezer: 20–30 minutes (set a timer!)
Tea towel trick: Wrap bottle in a damp cloth and freeze for 15 minutes
Ice bucket: Half water, half ice, and a pinch of salt chills wine in under 10 minutes

White wine should be cool but not ice-cold. Too cold = muted flavour.

Screw Cap vs Cork – Does It Matter?

Not really! Screw caps are brilliant for preserving freshness, especially in white wines. They’re easier to open, reseal better, and are less prone to faults like cork taint.

Corks still feel fancier, but for most whites that you’ll drink young, screw caps are just as good (if not better).

Final Sip

White wine is incredibly versatile and approachable. Whether you’re planning a dinner party, picking something up for a picnic, or just want to try something new, there’s a white wine out there with your name on it.

In the comments below, let me know your favourite and what you think are the best white wines. I am always looking for new bottles to try.