Cooking with wine can add a delicious depth of flavor to your food. But what kind of white wine should you use in the kitchen? There are many different types of white wine, each with its own unique flavor profile that can enhance your dish. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best white wines to use when cooking and explore how they can add new dimensions of flavor to your culinary creations!
Are All Wines Cooking Wines?
When it comes to cooking wine, there are two schools of thought. On one hand, any wine that you use during cooking to enhance your food can be considered cooking wine, whether it’s red wine, white wine, or rosé wine. These can be great to use in your recipes.
On the other hand, there are wines that are specifically labeled as “cooking wines.” While they do have alcohol like regular table wine, these mass-produced products are not actually for drinking. Typically, they’re made with loads of salt and preservatives to improve their shelf life.
So, which should you use? If you’re looking for a quality cooking wine that you can also drink, go for a regular bottle of table wine. But if you’re just looking for something to throw into your sauce or marinade, a cooking wine will do the trick.
The Do’s and Don’ts of White Wine for Cooking
When it comes to cooking with white wine, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, always opt for a dry wine. Cooking intensifies the sweetness of the wine, so a dry wine will help to balance out the final dish.
Second, don’t be afraid to experiment! There are plenty of great wines out there, so try different types until you find one that you like.
And finally, don’t forget to cook with what you’ll be serving. If you’re making a seafood dish, pair it with a light white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc. If you’re making a cream-based dish, go for a richer Chardonnay. By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating culinary masterpieces.
7 of the best white wines for cooking
Pinot Grigio
If you’re looking for a versatile white wine to use in cooking, Pinot Grigio is a great option. It’s light and crisp, with a slightly fruity flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
When choosing a Pinot Grigio for cooking, look for one that is medium-bodied and has a bit of acidity. Avoid wines that are too sweet or have too much alcohol, as they can overpower the flavors of your dish. If you’re not sure which Pinot Grigio to choose, ask your local wine shop owner or sommelier for recommendations.
Vinho Verde
If you’re not familiar with Vinho Verde, it’s a light, refreshing wine from Portugal that’s perfect for summer drinking. Vinho Verde is made from a blend of native Portuguese grape varieties, and it typically has a slightly sour flavor with hints of green apple and citrus.
It’s also an effervescent wine (though it misses the mark of qualifying as a semi-sparkling wine, according to Serious Eats ), which means it’s slightly bubbly. Wide Open Eats suggests using it to cook a chicken or turkey breast — cover the meat in some Vinho Verde, and get cooking. So if you’re looking for a new wine to try this summer, pick up a bottle of Vinho Verde and enjoy!
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is all about acidity, so if you’re looking for an ingredient to replace lemon or vinegar in a dish, then this wine has got you covered. As Wine Folly points out, it’s an incredibly popular wine, and it’s known for having somewhat of a “green” taste.
However, don’t let that deter you from giving it a try – there’s a lot to love about Sauvignon Blanc. It pairs well with a wide variety of foods, and it’s refreshing and light-bodied, making it the perfect choice for a summer picnic. Whether you’re serving it with seafood or salads, Sauvignon Blanc is sure to please.
Dry sherry
The Kitchn’s take on sherry is spot-on: it really is a versatile ingredient that can elevate just about any dish. A small splash of sherry can add a touch of acidity and depth of flavor, making it the perfect ingredient for deglazing or for finishing off a cream sauce.
And because it comes in both dry and sweet varieties, sherry can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. So next time you’re looking for a way to take your cooking to the next level, reach for the sherry bottle.
Dry vermouth
It’s especially frustrating when a recipe calls for just a cup of wine, and you’re left with the rest of a bottle you know you’re not going to finish in time. If this happens to you on a regular basis, do we have the wine for you: dry vermouth.
Dry vermouth is a type of fortified wine that has been treated with herbs and spices. It is often used in cocktails, but it can also be used in cooking. Vermouth adds a unique flavor to recipes, and it can be used as a substitute for white wine or chicken stock. If you’re looking for a way to use up those half-finished bottles of wine, dry vermouth is the perfect solution.
Sparkling wines
While sparkling wine may not seem like the first type of wine that comes to mind when you’re cooking, it can actually be used in a ton of different dishes that call for white wine.
However, you should keep in mind that different types of sparkling wine can vary quite a bite, so it pays to think about the type you’re using before you pour it into a random sauce.
For example, Chowhound points out that champagne can be added to fresh seafood dishes and can play an important role in soups, largely because of its “biscuity” flavor. On the other hand, prosecco is a good choice for sweeter applications like fruit salads or desserts, while cava is versatile enough to work well in both savory and sweet dishes.
White Bordeaux
If you’re a fan of cooking with wine, then you’ve probably already realized that not all wines are created equal. Some are better for drinking, while others are better for cooking. But what about white Bordeaux? Is it good for cooking?
The answer is yes! White Bordeaux is actually a great choice for cooking, thanks to its three main grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle.
The Sauvignon Blanc grape gives the wine a crisp, dry flavor that is perfect for cooking with. Meanwhile, the Semillon grape adds a bit of acidity to the mix, making it ideal for balancing out richer flavors. And finally, the Muscadelle grape lends a touch of sweetness to the wine, making it perfect for desserts or sauces.
So if you’re looking for a versatile white wine to add to your cooking repertoire, look no further than white Bordeaux!
