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It sometimes seems counterintuitive to drink white wine in the winter until we think of all the amazing winter foods that can pair with a hearty, full bodied white wine. Oysters are at their best when enjoyed in a month with the letter R, making January, February, and March prime oyster months. Also consider cheese fondue; we’ve tried it with just about every type of wine and whites always win the taste tests hands down. We realize that many of our readers don’t live in the freezing cold northeast, but for those of us who do winter can sometimes seem like an eternity. A little white wine with a hearty bowl of a chicken, turkey, or pork based white bean chili pairs perfectly with white wine and warms the heart at the same time, while roast pork or chicken cry out for a full-figured white. Here are seven winter whites we’re drinking with family and friends this season.
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Penfolds 2020 Yattarna Chardonnay South Australia
A lot has happened since Dr. Christopher Penfold and his wife Mary planted vines they carried to Australia in 1844. Penfolds became the largest winery in South Australia in 1907 and although it is not the largest today, most wine experts, consumers, and critics alike will agree that it is one of the most important Australian wineries with the most sought-after wines. Known primarily for their red wines, Penfolds makes delightful whites and this Chardonnay is one of our favorites from the continent. Penfolds 2020 Yattarna has aromas of white citrus blossoms, tropical fruits, and vanilla with flavors of vanilla, Anjou pear, and white peach. It’s drinking perfectly right now at the four-year mark, but don’t hesitate to hold a few bottles for a decade or so.
Buy Now: $152
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Christian Moreau 2021 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru Chablis Burgundy France
We’re lucky to see Christian Moreau when he’s in New York or we’re visiting Chablis in Burgundy, and I do mean lucky, because after passing the torch to his winemaker son Fabian the only place Christian is spotted these days is on the ski slopes of a variety of alpine ski towns. Thankfully, Fabian is an excellent winemaker and we are big fans of his bottles including the 2021 Les Cos Grand Cru. It is brilliant straw yellow with aromas of citrus blossoms, crushed oyster shells, and lemon zest that lead to voluptuous flavors of lemon curd, freesia, and Bosc pear stacked on a sturdy backbone of crisp, bracing minerality.
Buy Now: $140
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Livio Felluga 2020 Terre Alte Friuli-Venezia Giulia Italy
A few years before the pandemic we helped pick during the harvest at Livio Felluga, and once all the grapes were in for the day we would sit down and enjoy a glass (or two) of Terre Alte. It’s a blend of Fruilano, Pinot Bianco, and Sauvignon Blanc that are grown in the Terre Alte vineyard in Rosazzo. The 2020 is captivating with aromas of white peach, lemon zest, and a hint of honeysuckle and flavors of nectarine, passion fruit, and a pleasant touch of dried mountain herbs.
Buy Now: $100
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Joseph Drouhin 2022 Puligny-Montrachet Cote de Beaune Burgundy France
Joseph’s grandson Robert has passed the torch to Joseph’s four great grandchildren who were raised in the vineyards of Burgundy. Together Frederic, Veronique, Philippe, and Laurent run the venerable house and continue to make excellent wines from a variety of appellations throughout Burgundy. Their Puligny-Montrachet has ethereal aromas of crushed river stones, lemon curd, and a touch of white peach with flavors of orange blossom, candied lemon peel, and tangerine. The finish goes on and on with a surprising burst of bright acidity in the post palate.
Buy Now: $130
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Accendo Cellars 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley California
Accendo Cellars winemakers Françoise Peschon and Nigel Kinsman work with consulting winemaker Michel Rolland to make one of Napa Valley’s best and most coveted Sauvignon Blancs. We’ve tasted more than 10 vintages and are always impressed by the quality and consistency. Their most recent release available on the market is the 2022, but we’re eagerly awaiting the release of the 2023. The 2022 has aromas of freesia, freshly ground white pepper, and lemon curd. It has a hint of salinity on the mid palate with flavors of dried sage, green apple, and peach. Drink now or over the next five to seven years. This wine will age nicely.
Buy Now: $90
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Zind-Humbrecht 2022 Rangen de Than Clos Saint Urbain Grand Cru Riesling Alsace France
We’re big fans of this wine and named the 2020 our Best Aromatic White in Robb Report’s Best of the Best issue earlier this year. We’re equally impressed with the 2022 vintage that hails from the same walled vineyard in the Rangen de Thann grand cru. It has aromas of dried apricot, acacia honey, and beeswax with nice heft and body on the palate and flavors of jasmine, nectarine, white peach, and lemon zest. Drink now or over the next 20 years. This one is built to age.
Buy Now: $140
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Chateau de Fosse-Sèche 2020 Panthalassa Chenin Blanc Saumur Loire France
The Benedictine monks were the first to plant vines in Fosse-Sèche, at least 800 years ago and built over 3 miles of tunnels over 3 miles from the church to their living quarters. The estate has wine vats from the Middle Ages as well as a communal oven used by local home cooks. In the modern era, the estate is known for numerous awards including those from the Universal Exhibitions of Liège. The 2020 Panthalassa Chenin Blanc has aromas of peach, nectarine, and lemon zest. Round and opulent in the mouth it offers flavors of white peach, apricot, and a touch of lemon grass in the finish.
Buy Now: $130
