NOW EXPERIENCING:Winter whites for those of you who aren’t into red wine
Hit List|Viognier|Chardonnay|Winter

Winter whites for those of you who aren’t into red wine

Read time 3 Mins

Posted 12 Jul 2023

By
Alexandra Whiting

Can’t get around shiraz? No problem. There’s more to drink in the colder months.

Somewhere down the line, somebody decided that you traditionally drink red wine in winter and white wine in summer. Who? We can’t be sure. Why? Can’t answer that either. It could be because when the temperature drops, people commonly drift away from food and drinks that are chilled and instead fancy something a little more warming, which, for wine, tends to be fuller-bodied reds. This idea has kind of stuck, but you might be surprised by how well some white wines pair with rich winter dishes.

Plenty of white varieties are ideally suited to chilly weather because they can be rich, full-bodied and complex, working beautifully with your typical winter dishes. So, whether you’re keen to try some new pairings or really just miss your favourite summer chardy, here are our picks of white wines to drink this winter.

A bottle of the SC Pannell Fiano

Click image to shop

1. S.C Pannell Fi Fi Fiano

Fiano is a grape variety from Italy, which is most at home in Campania, as well as Basilicata and Sardinia. The proximity to the coast and warm dry summers of these regions are similar to that of McLaren Vale, so a fiano out of this South Australian region seems like a no-brainer in the right hands. And those hands are S.C Pannell, Stephen Pannell, one of the country’s most imaginative winemakers. A big believer in the relationship between what we eat and drink, Stephen always keeps Australian food and wine culture front of mind with everything he makes. This fiano is a contrast of sorts, with loads of texture but good acidity to still keep it fresh, as well as ripe, but bright flavours that bring complexity. Juicy and delicious!
2. Robert Oatley Signature Series Margaret River ChardonnayThe grapes in this dry, full-bodied chardonnay were specially selected from various sites across the Margaret River region to create a well-balanced style in the citrus mould. Matured for a short time in a variety of French oak barriques, the producers deliberately avoided the traditional malolactic fermentation in order to retain the wine’s long, fine acidity. It’s bright, white-peach-accented, gently oaked, and is a great match for winter dishes, thanks to its well-balanced flavours that won’t  overpower the food. For all chardonnays, but especially in winter, chill them in the fridge for just 30 minutes. The shorter cooling time means it’s not as cold to drink and allows the flavours to really peak.

3. Amberley Chimney Brush Chenin Blanc

Whip up some Peking duck pancakes or a chicken vindaloo with this chenin blanc. Because of its acidity and inherently sweet flavour, it goes down a treat with foods that have a sweet and sour element. With this one, expect a nice, clean finish with fresh aromas of green apple and pear on the nose, plus underlying hints of honeysuckle and toasty notes. If you’re typically someone who goes for a sauvignon blanc, a chenin blanc might be a nice change. Generally, sauvignon blanc is crisp and grassy, whereas chenin blanc can have richer flavours and is made in a diversity of styles. 
A bottle of the Amberley Chenin Blanc

Click image to shop

4. Rockcliffe Single Site Fume BlancDid you know fumé blanc and sauvignon blanc are made from the same grape? The key difference is that fumé blanc has more body, texture and mouthfeel compared to sauvignon blanc, which tends to be more fruity and crisp on the palate. The way this happens is that fumé blanc is typically aged in oak barrels after fermentation while sauvignon blanc traditionally goes into stainless steel vats to retain all those bright, fresh characters. A glass of Rockcliffe’s Fumé Blanc will go down nicely with a wheel of goat’s cheese if you’re looking for an after-dinner tipple. Expect a palate filled with tropical fruit and herbaceous citrus acidity with a smoky tannic finish.
A bottle of the Yalumba Viognier

Click image to shop

5. Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier

Viognier grapes were first planted here in Australia in the 1970s, and this native French variety can be anything from delicate and fresh to full-flavoured and rich, depending on where it’s grown and how it’s made. Think of it like chardonnay’s cousin with a more aromatic vibe. You might spot it in oaked and unoaked styles as well as in blends, including with shiraz where it adds fragrance and vibrancy. Yalumba has created some magic with this viognier, which has a delightfully long and silky palate, with stone fruit flavours and a hint of exotic saffron. Try it with a slow-cooked spicy dish on a cold night or with your roast pork this Sunday.
Shop related products
Robert OatleySignature Series Margaret River Chardonnay
Signature Series Margaret River Chardonnay
$21.99 each
 
S.C PannellFi Fi Fiano
Fi Fi Fiano
$27.99 each
 
AmberleyChimney Brush Chenin Blanc
  • product badge
Chimney Brush Chenin Blanc
$14.99 each
 
YalumbaEden Valley Viognier
  • product badge
Eden Valley Viognier
$26.99 Each
 
RockcliffeSingle Site Fume Blanc 2024
Single Site Fume Blanc 2024
$35 each
 
image credits: Shelley Horan (photography), Bridget Wald (styling).
Authour image
Alexandra WhitingWriter, mum and afternoon spritz enthusiast. Thinks most gatherings should be celebrated with Champagne.
Tags
Hit ListWinterWhite WineSauvignon BlancViognierChenin blancChardonnay
Related Articles