The Best White Wines 

White wine spans a spectrum of styles, from crisp and mineral-driven to rich and full-bodied. At Jackson Hole Marketplace, our extensive white wine collection reflects this diversity, with selections that cater to both newcomers and experienced wine enthusiasts.

You can explore our curated selection at 4125 U.S. 89, Jackson, WY 83001, contact us at (307) 200-6453, or email info@jhmarketplace.com for personalized recommendations.

White wines differ markedly in their body, acidity, and flavor profiles. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right bottle for any occasion.

Pinot Grigio leads the category of light-bodied whites, offering clean, refreshing characteristics. Italian Pinot Grigios deliver crisp apple and citrus notes, while Alsatian versions (labeled Pinot Gris) show richer stone fruit flavors. These wines typically maintain 12-13% alcohol content and feature high acidity.

New World Pinot Grigios from California and Oregon often display more pronounced fruit characteristics, though they maintain the variety's signature lightness. Serve these wines at 45-48°F to preserve their refreshing qualities.

Riesling white wines are notably versatile among medium-bodied whites. German Rieslings range from bone-dry (Trocken) to intensely sweet (Trockenbeerenauslese), with varying levels between. The grape thrives in cold climates, developing complex aromatics while maintaining high acidity.

Riesling's flavor spectrum includes lime, green apple, and peach in younger wines, developing petroleum-like notes (a prized characteristic) with age. Cool-climate Rieslings from the Mosel region typically show lower alcohol (8-12%) compared to warmer-region counterparts (12-14%).

Full-bodied whites offer substantial texture and concentrated flavors. Oaked Chardonnay represents this category's benchmark, delivering rich butter, vanilla, and tropical fruit notes. Viognier provides an alternative, showing intense apricot and white flower characteristics with a distinctive oily texture.

These wines generally range from 13.5-15% alcohol content. French White Burgundy (Chardonnay) sets the standard, with precise mineral notes balancing the rich fruit character.

Late harvest wines develop when grapes remain on the vine past standard ripeness. This extended hanging time concentrates sugars and develops complex flavor compounds. German Spätlese and Auslese Rieslings exemplify this style, showing intense fruit concentration while maintaining balancing acidity.

Sugar levels in these wines typically range from 50-150 g/L residual sugar. The grapes' natural acidity prevents these wines from becoming cloying.

Ice wine production requires freezing temperatures (-8°C/17°F or below), allowing for water crystal removal and juice concentration. Canadian and German producers lead this category, primarily using Riesling and Vidal Blanc grapes.

Noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) creates another unique sweet wine style. This beneficial fungus concentrates grape sugars and adds honey, ginger, and marmalade notes. Sauternes from France and Tokaji from Hungary represent the apex of this style.

The optimum storing temperature for white wines is 45-55°F with 70% humidity for optimal preservation. Temperature stability matters more than precise numbers, so you should avoid fluctuations exceeding 5°F.

Serving temperatures vary by style:

• Light whites: 45-48°F
• Medium-bodied whites: 48-52°F
• Full-bodied whites: 52-55°F
• Sweet wines: 45-50°F

White wine glasses should have tulip-shaped bowls with smaller openings than red wine glasses. This design concentrates aromas while maintaining cool temperatures. Fill glasses to the widest point of the bowl (about 1/3 full) to allow proper aeration.

After opening, most white wines maintain quality for 3-5 days when properly stored with a vacuum seal in the refrigerator. Full-bodied whites typically show more rapid deterioration due to their higher phenolic content.

Light white wines pair well with lighter meals. Pinot Grigio and Vermentino bring bright, clean flavors to seafood dishes. Pair them with raw oysters, steamed clams, or grilled white fish with lemon. These wines won't mask delicate seafood flavors - instead, they highlight the natural sweetness and saltiness of fresh fish and shellfish.

Medium-bodied white wines match richer seafood dishes perfectly. A dry Riesling makes an excellent companion to lobster and scallops, even with rich cream sauces. The natural acidity in Riesling keeps your palate fresh between bites, while its fruit notes enhance the sweetness of fresh seafood. These wines also work well with mildly spiced dishes, as their touch of sweetness can soften the heat.

Full-bodied whites are excellent with substantial dishes. Oaked Chardonnay's buttery richness complements roasted chicken, especially when herbs like tarragon or thyme are involved. It also pairs wonderfully with creamy pasta dishes - the wine's weight matches the food's richness. Viognier makes Asian dishes shine - its subtle sweetness and full body stand up to bold flavors and spices, while its floral notes complement aromatic ingredients like ginger and lemongrass.

Vegetarian pairings offer plenty of options:

• Light whites match fresh salads and light pasta dishes. The clean flavors complement raw vegetables and simple olive oil-based sauces.
• Medium whites enhance grilled vegetables and mushroom dishes. Their acidity cuts through earthy flavors while adding complexity.
• Full-bodied whites complement hearty root vegetables and creamy sauces. They have enough body to match richer vegetarian dishes without overwhelming them.

Weather heavily influences wine character. Cool growing seasons produce whites with bright acidity and lower alcohol - perfect for aging. Warm years create fuller wines with riper fruit flavors, best for earlier drinking. Climate change continues to affect wine regions, pushing alcohol levels higher and changing traditional flavor profiles.

Best recent years delivered exceptional whites:

• Burgundy: 2020 brought concentration and freshness, 2019 shows perfect ripeness, 2017 offers classic balance
• Germany: 2019 combines ripeness with acidity, 2018 created rich, full wines, 2015 remains a benchmark
• California: 2019 achieved ideal balance, 2018 shows exceptional concentration, 2016 delivered classic structure

Most white wines reach their peak within 3-5 years of release. However, certain styles can age beautifully:

• White Burgundy develops complex nutty flavors over 5-15 years
• German Riesling can evolve for decades, gaining unique petroleum aromas
• Vintage Champagne builds toasty richness over 10-20 years
• Loire Chenin Blanc maintains freshness while gaining honey notes over 10-20 years

White wine offers incredible variety - from crisp, refreshing bottles to rich, complex ones. Jackson Hole Marketplace maintains a carefully curated selection across all price ranges. Our collection includes both ready-to-drink wines and age-worthy bottles for your cellar. Visit our store at 4125 U.S. 89, Jackson, WY 83001 to explore these options in person. Need recommendations? Call us at (307) 200-6453 or email info@jhmarketplace.com. We'll help you navigate the world of white wine and find bottles that match your taste.