The reputation of Chardonnay precedes it. A white grape from the Burgundy region of France, it makes wines of varying styles and is the most commonly grown white grape for wine, from light unoaked versions to “oaky and buttery” versions and everything in between. The oaky and buttery version of Chardonnay is so popular that some think those flavors are inherent in the Chardonnay grape, but that’s not correct. These aromas and flavors come from the hands of the winemaker and their winemaking decisions. The oaky part comes from using oak barrels for fermentation and/or aging. The buttery part comes from a winemaking process called malolactic fermentation or MLF, in which the naturally occurring harsh malic acid present in the grapes is converted to a softer, rounder lactic acid. This can give the wines a round, creamy, and dairy-like character, hence the buttery” notion. Fun fact: Chardonnay made in a light crisp style with no oak use and no MLF, actually tastes like tart crab apples. The thing about Chardonnay is that people either love it or hate it. It’s quite polarizing. There are those who relish in the oaky and buttery notes and those who steer clear of it. We call those the “ABC” crowd—those who seek out Anything But Chardonnay. If you find yourself in the ABC camp, have no fear—I have a few white wine recommendations with nary a Chardonnay in sight! White wine doesn’t have to be full-bodied and cloying. It can be light, refreshing, and palate-cleansing. Below are some of our favorite non-Chardonnay white wines. The antithesis of Chardonnay just might be Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvy B, as I affectionately call it, is almost always lighter in body, crisp in texture, and filled with palate-cleansing refreshedness. This one from Rabble is no exception, and it also comes in at a wallet-friendly sub-$ $20 price! Though not the ancestral home of Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough is where this grape struck it big. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is one of the largest categories of wine in the world. From the Rose family, who have been farming here since 1870, comes this distinctive and typical Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from Wairau River. It’s filled with heaps of tropical fruit aromas and flavors, from pineapple to mango. Dry and high in acid, it would make a great companion to grilled shrimp skewers but can also be perfectly enjoyed on its own. If you love Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll love Albariño. High acidity and palate-cleansing are the hallmarks of this wine from Granbazán. Grapes are grown in a high rainfall region near the ocean, so the wines tend to exhibit a minerality and salinity from this influence. Paso Robles is the land of big and fleshy red wines. But don’t overlook “the lighter side of Paso,” especially with this Chenin Blanc from the small, family-owned producer Thacher. I always find Chenin Blanc hard to compare to other grapes, so just enjoy this one for what it is and trust the discovery process, which can be such a joy with wine. From the northeastern Italian countryside comes this stunner from the wine brand Livio Felluga, which has been farming in the region for close to 100 years. This wine has no comparison as it’s made from an unknown indigenous grape to Italy. The wine is muscular in weight and body. The flavors are quite concentrated, and it has a weighty texture, making it a good food wine. It is great with a cheese and meat plate (focus on Italian cheeses, prosciutto, and salami) or a baked fish dish. Try to pronounce this grape after a glass of wine! From classic, family-owned wine producer Messina Hof in Texas comes this slightly sweet white wine made from an Alsatian grape, Gewürztraminer. This wine is a bouquet in the glass, with aromas of white flowers, lychee, and tropical fruits prominent. The palate confirms the same flavors. Pro Tip: even if you don’t like sweet wines, they can be FANTASTIC pairings for flavorful, spicy foods. Think of curry, nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice), and larb (a Lao meat salad).Rabble Sauvignon Blanc 2023 $19.99 (Central Coast, California)
Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc 2022 $17.99 (Marlborough, New Zealand)
Granbazán Albariño Etiqueta Ámbar 2022 $26 (Rías Baixas, Spain)
Thacher Chenin Blanc $34 (Paso Robles, CA)
Livio Felluga Friulano 2022 $33 (Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy)
Messina Hof Off-Dry Gewürztraminer 2023 $25 (Texas High Plains)
