Ever Wonder How White Wine is Made?

Nearly 65% of Americans say they enjoy white wines, and with one sip of the perfect white, it’s not hard to see why. In most cases, they’re refreshing and crisp. These light-bodied beauties always make for an enjoyable glass, particularly in the warmer months of the year. They also tend to be a bit more versatile if you’re pairing them with food, which helps contribute to their popularity. Have you ever wondered, though, how white wine is made? The process might surprise you. 

How Is White Wine Made?

The process of creating the perfect glass of wine starts with the step you might expect - harvesting the grapes. You can use both red and white wine grapes to make a white wine, though. It’s possible to use a combination of the two because the skins aren’t used in the fermentation process of white wine. Despite that fact, though, white wines tend to use either green or yellow grapes in the process. 

With white wines, the grapes tend to get picked fairly early in the harvest season. Most winemakers harvest their white wine grapes very early in the morning. At that point, the grapes are quite cool from the night air. Once they are picked, they’re immediately sent to the winery, then placed in a wine press. That press squeezes the juice from the grapes, and all of the juice is placed in a tank. Sulfur dioxide is usually added to help prevent bacteria from spoiling the grapes before the fermentation process begins. 

Were you to grab a glass of juice at this point, you would find a cloudy, sweet liquid. Winemakers let it rest in the tank for some time to settle a bit and get cold. That settling process helps to remove any suspended solids in the juice, as they could create a level of bitterness in the final product. 

The next step is to add small sugar-eating yeasts to help eliminate the natural sugars in the juice and turn them into alcohol. In some cases, the yeast is added to the juice. In other situations, though, it occurs spontaneously. Those naturally occurring yeasts are a bit more challenging to work with, but they sometimes create an interesting flavor that cannot be replicated with commercial yeasts. 

Most wines will handle the fermentation process in a stainless steel tank. There are, however, some Chardonnay varieties that ferment in oak barrels, as that can help contribute to a smoother texture. 

Fermentation is the next step in the process, and it takes about 14 days to finish. White wines have to ferment at cooler temperatures than red ones do, and they’re usually placed in closed tanks to ferment to help ensure oxygen exposure is kept to a minimum. Oxygen exposure can kill the delicate aromas in white wine. 

It’s at this point that the winemaker decides just how sweet to make a white wine. If the company wants a sweet wine, they stop the yeast from eating the sugars much sooner, creating a higher residual sugar level. If they want a fairly dry white wine, they let the process go longer. 

A second fermentation process takes place during the next step, but it doesn’t happen with all white wines. This one doesn’t involve the fermentation of alcohol. Instead, it’s an acidic conversion that happens with bacteria. Bacteria eat malic acid, then turns that into lactic acid. The result is the smooth, creamy feel you get with something like a Chardonnay. 

At that point, the wine is left in the tank or barrels for some time. Often stirring occurs to help the lees (or dead yeast particles) float up in the wine. That adds some flavor and helps create a creamy texture. The wine is then aged to the perfect point to suit the winemaker’s preference. Once that’s done, the blend is created. Soften single varietal white wines are made, but a blend of the varieties can be added too. 

At this point in the process, however, the wine is still fairly cloudy, so most winemakers will work to change that with clarifying agents. They help to eliminate the suspended proteins in the wine that are causing that cloudy look. Typically those going for a vegan wine will use bentonite clay to remove the proteins. Others, though, use casein, which is derived from milk, or egg whites. 

The wine is then passed through a filter to help reduce the likelihood that bacteria will spoil it. 

The final step in the process is to bottle the wine. Winemakers have to be very careful at this point, though, and ensure it is exposed to very little oxygen so as not to affect the color or the clarity. 

Taste the Results

Now that you know a bit about how white wine is made, it’s time to taste the results. Take a look at our white wine varieties, then order a few bottles so you can taste all of the work we put into delivering you a perfect glass.

Where to Buy Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling

The golden yellow wine fills your glass. As you take a sip, the sharp acidity and intense sweetness hit your tongue, making for the perfect, refreshing treat. These are some of the best characteristics of Pacific Rim’s Sweet Riesling, and they’re exactly what makes people look forward to every single bottle. The pineapple and peach notes will linger on your tongue, leaving you looking forward to the next sip. Wondering where to buy Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling so you can have the same experience? This quick guide can help you find the perfect bottle.

A Sweet Riesling Is Always The Right Choice

If you’re unfamiliar with a sweet Riesling, you may wonder why this is such a popular choice for so many people. Riesling is a white grape variety that is well known for producing some of the most aromatic wines in the world. They’re incredibly versatile, too, a trait we have extensively discussed in our Riesling versatility blog.

Widely grown around the world and throughout the United States, you’ll find them with a fairly wide range of flavors and aromas. You might find floral notes in one variety like jasmine or elderflower, citrus notes like grapefruit in another bottle, and stone fruit notes like peach in yet another variety. Sometimes, you’ll even find them with a tropical note like pineapple.

No matter what the notes are, though, you’ll find a high level of acidity with each, which lends itself to the crisp flavor that so many people find refreshing.

Over time, a Riesling develops complex flavors, making it even more versatile. That attracts many people to purchase and store several varieties at a time to understand just how fascinating this type of wine can be as it ages, something we've described in our Riesling aging guide.

There are a number of reasons people turn to a sweet Riesling. One is the fact that they’re quite versatile when it comes to pairing them with a meal. That perfect combination of sweetness and acidity means they work well with spicy dishes, the heat of other meals, and rich flavors like those you might find in artisanal cheeses or a dessert course. Here are some Food pairing ideas for Sweet Riesling.

Add that advantage to the fact that you’ll never find them cloying or even overly sweet. The fact that the high acidity level and natural sweetness balance each other out makes it an attractive wine for any table.

Maybe one of the most important reasons these have become so popular, though, is that they tend to be more approachable for individuals who haven’t yet discovered the power of wine or those who just want a slightly sweeter flavor. They’re an appealing, never intimidating choice that are perfect for almost everyone at your table.

Where to Buy Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling

Convinced that this is the right choice for you? It’s not a hard leap to move to a Riesling, and Pacific Rim’s variety means you have lots of different options. Our story actually begins with Riesling.

First introduced in 1992, we quickly gained a following among those truly devoted to Rieslings, and given that ours offered a fresh, bright taste, the popularity of Pacific Rim’s grew fast. Our passion has pushed our winery to grow incredibly, and while we’ve branched out to offer many varieties, Riesling remains our passion.

The single best place to buy a bottle is directly through our website. Online you can learn more about our brand, take advantage of promotions you’ll enjoy again and again, and even join our wine club. With us, you’ll get 20% off of all of your orders, flat rate shipping, and exclusive access to a number of different offers throughout the year.

On site, you can shop our latest offerings, including the 2021 Sweet Riesling so many people are talking about. Because our process is different, you’ll find a refreshingly sweet choice that is low in alcohol and big on the taste you crave. It will pair perfectly with your next spicy meal of Carribean food, Szechuan fare, or even a nice spicy Mexican dinner.

You can also pick up a bottle through Total Wine & More. The biggest independent retailer of some of the best wines in the United States today, this phenomenal online marketplace started in the early ‘90s as a brick and mortar space in Delaware. Today, they not only offer a wide variety of Pacific Rim products online, but also in nearly 250 locations across the U.S. They’re committed to the best wines and great prices, and you can purchase our Sweet Riesling there and many other options.

In many areas, you’ll find it marketed in other locations today. ABC Fine Wine and Spirits are one option, but so is your local Target or Safeway. Just walking into your local wine and spirits store or larger retailer is likely to help you connect with a bottle of one of our best products for an upcoming evening with someone special or a dinner party where you’re looking for the perfect wine.

Order a Bottle Today

Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling - where to buy it shouldn’t be a problem. Many retailers recognize just how popular this wine has become, and you can pick it up easily before you’re ready to open another bottle. There are few wines like a Sweet Riesling, and you’ll realize the beauty of this choice the moment you open a bottle of Pacific Rim. Order yours now through this link.

Wine and Golf in Washington: a Perfect Pairing

Wine and Golf: An Unbeatable Combination

There was a time when golf was an isolated sport played with few social interactions or connections. Over the past two decades, however, golf has become a diverse sport where people not only enjoy hitting the fairways but have also started to combine it with eating and drinking after the game. One beverage that has become a favorite among golfers is wine. And what makes the experience even more pleasant is that the majority of golf courses in Washington and Oregon have some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation, as well as some of the best wineries.

Golf and Wine

There is no question that golfers and grapes tend to thrive in the same dry, warm weather. And to make it easy for golfers to enjoy the day at the golf course, golf course owners and nearby wineries have started to offer all types of facilities and amenities so that people can enjoy their dining experience in front of splendid views of the landscape.

While many people are aware that Washington has some great wine country, not many know that it has some of the best golf courses in the nation, both in terms of functionality and aesthetics. What makes Washington a prized area for golf is the mild weather, especially during spring and fall. And when you combine this with wine, it makes for a perfect wine and golf weekend getaway.

Most golfers spend about four hours on the course, and since they have taken the day off, they have more hours to spare. Therefore, they are looking for a fine wine and dining experience after the golf game. And this combination is catching on all over the nation. Golfers want more than just a game of golf. Most of these individuals who play golf now want to enjoy the beautiful scenery in a relaxed atmosphere and, at the same time, enjoy fine dining and wines.

Where in Washington Can One Enjoy Wine and Golf?

There are golf courses almost everywhere in the state, but to enjoy golf and wine, the premier destination in Washington is the Southeastern corner, with its famed Columbia Valley and dozens of wineries, plus dozens of golf courses within the vicinity. Southeast Washington provides an easily accessible golf experience for everyone. It is also a magnet for wine lovers. After a morning round of golf, one has the entire afternoon to pick fruits, stroll the vineyards, enjoy a picnic, or have an evening meal at one of the many quality restaurants in the area.

As the wine industry flourishes in SE Washington, many wineries have started to offer wine-tasting tours, fine dining, and picnic facilities to both tourists and locals. The good thing is that enjoying wine and golf does not have to be an expensive affair. It all depends on your personal preferences. Yes, there are celebrity golf courses in Washington that cater to the rich, but there are also many casual spots that cater to the average American and even offer a picnic experience. Three of the top ten golf courses in Washington State include:

1) Gamble Sands Golf Club

2) Chambers Bay

3) Wine Valley Golf Club

Today, many golf courses now partner with wineries so they can offer the best of both worlds: a private round of golf is paired with a tour of the vineyard, coupled with a private gourmet dinner paired with top-quality wines. Package deals that include accommodations, breakfast, transportation, golf, and wine tasting are available online.

For some of the best golf and wine experiences, check out the golf courses and vineyards in the State of Washington. They can rival the best!

Try out our fine wines today!

Where is the Best American Riesling Wine From?

Riesling is a very popular white wine in Europe, but slowly, its demand in North America is increasing. One of the reasons why American Riesling did not gain rapid popularity is because most people believed it was just another sweet wine from Germany, but nothing could be further from the truth. There is no question that some varieties of Riesling are sweet, but the wine is also available as semi-dry and dry. In fact, much of the Riesling produced in America is of the dry variety. Regardless of its type, Riesling is an excellent, refreshing, juicy wine that is versatile and pairs well with most foods.

WHERE IS AMERICAN RIESLING PRODUCED?

The Riesling grape was first introduced to North America in the late 19th century by new German immigrants. Initially, these immigrants settled in New York, which led to the production of Riesling in the Finger Lakes Region. With time, the immigrants moved to Michigan, California, Oregon, and Washington, where the Riesling grape now thrives. In fact, the Riesling produced in Washington State rivals the best quality Riesling from Germany, Austria, Australia, and South Africa.

The Diversity of American Riesling

While Washington remains the top producer of American Riesling, it’s also produced in Oregon and California. American Riesling can be dry or sweet or a bit of everything in between. For consumers, the way to tell what type of Riesling you are drinking is to note the amount of residual sugar as it is stated on the label. If the residual sugar level is less than 10g/l, the wine will be dry, but if the level of residual sugar is more than 30g/l, the Riesling will be sweet. Sometimes the label may not reveal the residual sugar level; instead, it may say dry, medium-dry, or sweet.

Washington: A Prominent Producer of Riesling

Even though Riesling had a late start in Washington, the region is known to produce some of the best Riesling in the world, often competing with Chardonnay for the best white wine in the USA. Much of the Riesling in Washington grows in the Columbia Valley, including Ancient Lakes, Yakima Valley, and Lake Chelan, which are well known for the fruity version. Elsewhere in the state, the dry Riesling has spicy and aromatic flavors with well-balanced acidity. The reason why Washington excels at producing great quality Riesling is not only because of the ideal climate but also a favorable landscape and soil conditions that allow the Riesling grape to thrive.

The Favorable Conditions of the Columbia Valley

In addition, the Columbia Valley is bestowed with long, dry summer days and cool nighttime temperatures, which permit the Riesling grapes to acquire a broad range of fruity flavors combined with exotic aromas and just the right balance of acidity. Another part of the country which also makes good quality Riesling is the Finger Lakes region, which also has climate and soil conditions similar to Washington.

Riesling in the Finger Lakes Region

In addition to the Pacific Northwest, the Finger Lakes regions are known to produce medium-dry to dry Riesling wines with delicate flavors and hints of peach, citrus, orange, and apricot with a mild tinge of aromatic spices. Because of the varying diversity in the

soil and landscape in America, this permits a broad range of wine styles. Overall, the Riesling produced in America tends to be more refined, slightly more acidic, and more delicate compared to those produced in Europe.

Finally, American Riesling is very affordable and easy to drink. The only way to know if there is a Riesling for you is to purchase a bottle and let your taste buds make the decision.

Some Riesling Wines to Consider

2021 SWEET RIESLING
2021 DRY RIESLING
2018 VIN DE GLACIÈRE RIESLING

 

What Does Riesling Taste Like?

When people hear ‘Riesling’, they may immediately think of sweet wine. While there are many sweet Rieslings, this wine can also range from sweet to bone dry and everything in between. What does Riesling taste like? Riesling is considered to be a refreshingly delicious aromatic white wine that is native to the Rhine region in Germany. Today, Riesling is produced in many places, including Washington State, and it still boasts the crisp flavors of a wide range of orchard fruits, along with a high level of acidity. It is one of the few white wines that can age gracefully for many years and still retain its quality.

WHAT DOES RIESLING WINE TASTE LIKE?

The Aroma

Before you taste even a drop of Riesling on your tongue, the experience begins with the aroma while it is still in the glass. While the aroma depends on where the Riesling is from, in general, all Rieslings will have an aroma of orchard fruits, like apples, pears, nectarine, apricots, or peaches. Some may also include softer, lighter scents of lime and jasmine. But along with the lighter scents, the older Riesling may also have a more obvious aroma of petroleum wax or petrol, which can be a plus or a negative, depending on your preferences.

Riesling Taste

What does Riesling taste like? When it comes to the taste of Riesling, one of the first noticeable things is the high level of acidity comparable to what is found in citrus fruits, like tangerines and oranges. However, the younger Riesling produced from unripe grapes will have notes like lemon, lime, or green apples, as well as hints of jasmine and chamomile.

Riesling, which is produced from ripe grapes, is a rounder beverage with aromas of pears, peaches, apples, grapes, apricots, and oranges. The sweet Riesling will have a stronger taste of peaches and apricots, whereas the dry Riesling will have more intense notes of grapefruit and apples. Plus, it is not uncommon for the sweeter Riesling to acquire spicy aromas of ginger, cinnamon, and anise.

Is All Riesling Sweet?

The answer is no, not all Rieslings are sweet. What does Riesling wine taste like? In reality, the majority of Riesling wines produced globally are dry or off-dry. Even in Germany, where sweet Riesling was once the iconic beverage, the population now prefers the dry style of Riesling wine.

Alcohol Content

What may come as a surprise to many people is that Riesling, in general, is a low-alcohol wine, but the amount of alcohol can be higher when it is produced in warmer regions.

Overall, Riesling has a low ABV (alcohol-by-volume) that averages between 8-14 percent, but it really depends on the brand and the sweetness. The drier the Riesling, the higher the alcohol content.  Riesling from Oregon and Washington generally has a low ABV, which makes it a very pleasant wine to drink, even in large amounts.

Acidity

What does Riesling taste like? One of the key features of Riesling wine is its high acidity, which gives it a tart and crisp taste. It is this high acidity which allows the wine to slowly mature in a bottle without going sour.

Age of Wine

The taste of Riesling also depends on its age. What does Riesling wine taste like? The younger Riesling tends to express more fruity notes, but the character of the fruit depends on where it is grown. The fruity notes may include luscious stony fruits to sweet citrus fruits. In addition, it is not uncommon for the young Riesling to acquire aromas of flowers and spices like jasmine, honey, ginger, and beeswax.

Food Pairings

Riesling is one of the few white wines that can be easily paired with almost any food type, but it pairs exceptionally well with spicy cuisines like Indian, Tex-Mex, and Thai. Some of the best food pairings include cheese and charcuterie, and it also goes well with sweet dishes.

Final Note: What Does Riesling Taste Like?

If you really want to know the answer to ‘What does Riesling taste like?’, try some of our affordable, top-quality Riesling wines:

2021 SWEET RIESLING
2021 J RIESLING
2018 VIN DE GLACIÈRE RIESLING
2021 DRY RIESLING