As regular readers have already noticed, I am a bit of a wine lover and I am always trying to educate myself to understand more about the world of wine! So let’s continue our series on wines with a guide to the best dry white wine for every occasion.
There is nothing quite like a nice glass of dry white wine to help celebrate a special occasion or just to relax after a long day. But what is the best dry white wine for you?
With so many different types and brands of wine on the market, it can be tough to decide which one to choose. In this blog post, I’ll discuss the different types of dry white wines and recommend my favourite picks for every occasion!
Defining Dry
There’s a lot of debate around what exactly constitutes a “dry” wine. For most people, it simply means that there’s no sweetness to the wine.
However, there’s a bit more to it than that. Technically speaking, a dry wine is one in which the majority of the sugar has been converted to alcohol. This means that the residual sugar is less than one percent of the wine’s volume.
In other words, if you have a liter of wine with four grams of sugar, it would be considered dry. Wines can also be considered medium dry if they contain between 12-17 g/L of sugar.
Anything beyond that is off-dry, medium, or sweet. So next time you’re reaching for a bottle of wine, take a moment to consider how dry you really want it to be!

Very Dry Whites
Very dry whites are wines that have very little residual sugar. Therefore, they have a dry characteristic and crispness that makes them perfect for dry wine lovers.
However, these wines can also be high in acidity, which can make them feel sharp on the palate. As a result, it is important to find a very dry white that has a good balance.
One of the best examples of a very dry white wine is Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is known for its intense acidity, but it also has good fruit flavors that help to round out the wine.
Another excellent choice is Chablis, which is a type of Chardonnay that is grown in the cool climate of Burgundy. Chablis tends to be very lean and mineral-driven, with a lovely acidity that makes it perfect for pairing with food. If you are looking for a very dry white wine, these are two excellent choices.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is one of my favorite wines. It’s dry, crisp, and refreshing, with just a hint of underlying fruitiness. It’s perfect for sipping on its own or for pairing with food.
The major growing regions for Sauvignon Blanc are Bordeaux, the Loire Valley, New Zealand, South Africa, Austria, California, and Washington State. Each region produces a slightly different style of wine, so it’s fun to explore the different flavors that Sauvignon Blanc has to offer.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer wine or a rich and complex winter wine, there’s a Sauvignon Blanc out there that will suit your taste.
Albariño
Albariño is a delicious Spanish wine that pairs perfectly with seafood. It has bright acidity and refreshing flavors of citrus and light salty notes. The Portuguese call it Alvarinho.
This dry wine is perfect for enjoying with the plentiful seafood in Spanish cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at home or out at a restaurant, Albariño is a great choice for pairing with your favorite seafood dishes.
Medium-Dry Whites

If you’re looking for a white wine that’s not too sweet and not too dry, then a medium-dry white is a great option.
These wines tend to be somewhere in the middle, with just a touch of sweetness. They’re perfect for enjoying with food or on their own, and they come in a variety of styles.
From crisp and refreshing to rich and creamy, there’s a medium-dry white out there for everyone.
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc is a versatile white wine grape that can be used to make everything from light, refreshing wines to rich, buttery styles.
The grape is relatively neutral in flavor, but it often takes on some of the characteristics of the grapes it is blended with. For example, Pinot Blanc wines made in the Alsace region of France are often blends that include a small amount of Pinot Gris. These wines tend to be full-bodied and have a creamy texture with floral aromatics and flavors of stone fruits.
In contrast, Pinot Blanc wines from Italy are usually 100% varietal and tend to be lighter in body with fresh acidity and delicate floral aromatics. No matter where it is grown or how it is made, Pinot Blanc is a food-friendly wine that is sure to please any palate.
Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are two different styles of the same type of wine. Pinot Grigio is the Italian style of this dry white wine, and it tends to be crisp and mineral. On the other hand, Pinot Gris is the French style of this dry white wine, and it tends to be fruity.
Both styles are dry, but the Pinot Grigio is less sweet than the Pinot Gris. When choosing between these two types of wines, it is important to know what you are looking for.
If you want a crisp, refreshing wine, then the Pinot Grigio is the way to go. If you are looking for a fruitier wine, then the Pinot Gris is a better choice. No matter which style you prefer, both Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are excellent choices for a delicious, dry white wine.
Gewürtztraminer
Gewürtztraminer is a versatile white wine that can be dry or sweet. German trocken and halbtrocken versions are very dry, while French versions tend to be sweeter.
This wine has floral, spice, and citrus notes, making it a great choice for many different dishes. It pairs well with both savory and sweet foods, so it’s perfect for a party where you don’t know what your guests will be serving.
Gewürtztraminer is also a great choice for sipping on its own. Whether you’re enjoying a glass with friends or relaxing at home after a long day, this wine is sure to please.
Food Pairing for Dry Whites
If you’re wondering what to serve with your dry white wine, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, consider the weight of the wine. Crisp, light wines like Sauvignon Blanc pair well with light foods that won’t overpower the delicate flavors. Think halibut with lemon or a simple green salad.
On the other hand, oaky wines with toasty flavors work well with rich, fatty foods that can stand up to the robust flavors. A classic example is lobster with butter sauce or fettuccine Alfredo.
So, when you’re deciding what to serve, think about the weight of the wine and the strength of the flavors in your dish. With a little consideration, you’ll be sure to find the perfect pairing for your next meal.