Dry whites are a quintessential, all-occasion style of wine.
Need to enhance the flavor of a pan sauce or linguine with clams? Check. What about a bottle to pair with a seafood dinner? No problem. A wine to elevate Vietnamese cuisine or even nachos? You got it. Or how about something to bring along to a picnic? Yes, there’s a dry white wine for that, too.
This is because there’s a wide array of styles and flavor profiles that fall under the category of dry white wine, which is essentially any bottle of white that contains little to no sugar and lacks discernable sweetness.
How does one go about picking the right bottle?
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“It depends on the mood or occasion,” says Wine Enthusiast Tasting Director Anna-Christina Cabrales. “If I’m going to the beach I want something refreshing with high acidity and maybe some texture or dry extract to keep things interesting. If I’m going to a potluck I want something that has enough complexity and versatility to go with several dishes. If it’s cheese and charcuterie night, something with saline minerality and/or well-integrated oak is fun.”
However, this wide breadth of bottles and styles can make narrowing down one to buy a difficult task. That’s where we come in. From vibrant, easy-drinking Albariño and creamy Chardonnay to electric Riesling that will continue to develop for decades to come, here’s a list of some of Wine Enthusiast’s highest-scoring dry white wines.
Selva Capuzza 2022 Selva Turbiana (Lugana)
Alluring from the moment the cork is pulled, this stunning Lugana opens with aromas of magnolia, lemon verbena, Fuji apple and wild herbs. The crisp and electric palate pops with mixed citrus notes, tart nectarine, thyme and salted almonds, finishing with a stony minerality. Editor’s Choice. 94 Points — Jeff Porter
Unico Zelo 2021 Esoterico White (South Australia)
This is a vibrant snap, crackle and pop wine, from its electric orange color to its bombastic, musky aromas of ginger, florals, honeycomb, candied citrus and peach. It doesn’t disappoint in the mouth, with well-placed skins-y tannins and tingly, spicy acidity. There’s a botanical garden feel and an orange peel note to end. For those more adventurous drinkers—and for those seeking highly ethical winemakers—this won’t disappoint. 94 Points — Christina Pickard
Granbazán 2022 Etiqueta Verde Albariño Albariño (Rías Baixas)
Aromas of ripe summer peach, lemon zest, wet river rocks and honeysuckle waft from the glass. This wine is full in the mouth and has brilliant acidity. It offers flavors of orange marmalade, peach pie, lemon, and dried herbs de Provence. Editor’s Choice. 94 Points — Mike DeSimone
Valenciso 2021 Fermentado en Barrica White (Rioja)
A blend of Viura and Garnacha Blanca, this wine has a nose of Bartlett pear, apple tart, and a touch of fennel pollen. It offers a gorgeous combination of bright lemon and pineapple flavors alongside soft notes of cocoa butter, fennel bulb and rose petal. Editor’s Choice. 94 Points — M.D.
Château de Rochemorin 2021 Pessac-Léognan
From one of several estates in Pessac-Léognan owned by the André Lurton family, this wine is richly textured. The wine aging provides texture more than flavors. It needs to be aged, so begin to drink this wine from 2027. 93 Points — Roger Voss
Ovum 2021 Memorista Riesling (Elkton Oregon)
A pear aroma is surrounded by a bouquet of apple blossoms, fresh pine cones and the sweet spice of daphne flowers. Lemon cake and juniper berry flavors are joined by something akin to anise or caraway seeds. Elevated acidity makes the Memorista vibrate on the palate. Enjoy this remarkable Riesling now–2034. Cellar Selection. 96 Points — Michael Alberty
Xanadu 2021 Reserve Chardonnay (Margaret River)
A margarita-style Chardonnay if ever there was one, this feels like you’re standing at the edge of the Indian Ocean (less than four miles from where these grapes are grown) on a brisk day, the salty sea air whipping, the sand between your toes, a lemon twist martini in hand. As delicious as it is evocative, it pings in the mouth with a lightly creamy texture and mouthwatering, laser-like, lemon zest acidity that lingers long on the finish, making it impossible to put down. Editor’s Choice. 97 Points — C.P.
Fattoria Le Pupille 2020 Piemme Petit Manseng (Toscana)
Warm pavement, crushed shells and sunshine are the backdrop for aromas of fresh pineapple, lychee, Meyer lemon and a whisper of vanilla whipped cream, with spices and herbs underneath. A riot of citrus and tropical fruit on the palate soars on the back of spectacular acid. If both wine and winemakers get better with age, this is one to watch. Cellar Selection. 96 Points — Danielle Callegari
Falkenstein 2019 Alte Rebe Riesling Riesling
Aromas of quince, apricot preserves, petrol and chiseled stone define the nose of this archetype of a Riesling. The well-strucuted palate shows how serious this estate takes their old-vine Riesling. The fruit is there but as an accent, not the lead. Mouthwatering acidity and a mineral edge drive the palate with a firmness and energy that is refreshing to both the palate and mind. Drink now–2040. Cellar Selection. 95 Points — J.P.
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