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White wines that’ll convert red-wine diehards

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Posted 20 Jun 2024

By
Amelia Ball

A glass of white wine next to pistachios and a bunch of flowers

Only ever reach for a red? It’s time to branch out – and we’re here to help.

We all have that one friend who refuses to try new things. Sometimes it’s warranted (bungee jumping can wait), but when it comes to the colour of the wine in your glass, we think life’s too short. If you are this friend and it’s been a while since you got excited about white wine, this is your cue to give it another go – there’s a style out there for you.

If you never stray from red wine, there’s a good chance you think a lot of whites taste too tart or acidic, or maybe even a little watery. We get it – red wine is a beautiful thing, full of richness, texture, complexity and layers of flavour. But the reality is you can find all that (and more) in a whole suite of white wines – you just need to know where to look. 

So, if you’re keen to broaden your wine horizons, or it’s time the red-wine drinker in your life rediscovers the beauty of white wine, the following five pointers should help you on your way.

1. Stick to warmer regionsTake this sweeping statement with a grain of salt, but warmer climates often produce white wines that are richer in style. These should be your first places to target if you’re yet to be convinced about white wine. Certain regions get consistently higher temperatures and more sunshine than others, which, in turn, means their grapes are often riper, bringing richer fruit flavours – think less citrus and acidity, more melon flavours and weight. This leads to wines that are likely to appeal if you enjoy rich, plush reds. Zoom in on regions such as the Hunter Valley, Barossa, Heathcote, McLaren Vale and Swan Valley. Whether it’s their flagship whites or more emerging varieties (dynamic, lesser-known grapes thrive in many warmer regions), these wines could lead to some nice surprises.
2. Go for your favourite labels We all have our own go-to wine brands that we know and love, and we go back to them because they never disappoint. If you have a favourite but only ever grab a red wine from their range, next time you’re picking up a bottle, look for one of their whites to put with it. While producers make wine to reflect their vineyard sites, fruit and vintage conditions, wineries also tend to have a distinct consistent style that runs through their wider collection of wines. If in doubt, ask a staff member to point you towards your favourite brand’s bigger styles of white wines and take your pick. Already having a connection to the brand means you’re much more likely to enjoy it.
3. Look for oak, skin-contact and age You don’t need to fully understand how wine is made to find certain styles, but knowing a few key techniques and what they bring can help. Almost all reds are aged in oak, bringing notes like vanilla, coconut, smoke and spices, which can often the highlight traits for red-wine fans, so look for whites that also spend time in barrels. In short, avoid prosecco, sauvignon blanc (although oaked fumé blancs could be right up your alley), pinot grigio and young rieslings. For texture – again, something red wine has in spades – skin-contact whites may be for you. Orange wines are a good example, but many traditional whites are increasingly being made with more time in contact with the grape skins, which adds more texture and depth to the wine. And when it comes to age, whites that have had time to develop in the bottle can also become super rich and round, which may also suit – older semillon, riesling and chardonnay are prime examples.
4. Chardonnay is your friend It’s true that chardonnay comes in many different styles, but, generally speaking, this is going to be the most obvious variety for people who really love reds. Even the more acid-driven styles can be complex with layers of flavour and texture, but as a starting point, focus on richer style expressions. These will have spent time in oak and mostly gone through malolactic fermentation, which all helps to create that round, creamy palate – this will give you plenty to swirl, sip and consider in the glass. The best bit is that chardonnay is grown in just about every region in the country (and almost everywhere beyond) so there’s a load of choice out there. Browse the chardonnay aisle and take a chance on something new.
5. Other varieties to exploreBeyond chardy, there are many other brilliant whites for people who love red wine. Native to France’s Rhone Valley, viognier, marsanne and roussanne are great picks, especially when blended together, as they often are. Expect full-bodied, aromatic and lifted wines with stone fruit flavours, weight and richness. Chenin blanc is also worth a closer look. Born in France, adopted by South Africa, and increasingly delicious from various Aussie regions (Swan Valley is especially full of benchmarks), this versatile wine can show flavours like pear and quince, and when aged in oak, it can be quite plush, too. As mentioned, those fumé blanc styles of sauv have flavour and texture galore, and don’t overlook lesser-known varieties like muscadet and pinot blanc. Put a roast chicken or creamy pasta on the table with any of the above wines, and you might just see the light.
Ready to dive into the world of white wine? Browse through our articles on the topic, which cover everything from chenin blanc and top alternative whites to other styles to try that are like chardonnay. 
image credits: Charlie Hawks (photgraphy), Bridget Wald (styling).
Authour image
Amelia BallAmelia Ball is a journalist, editor and former Editorial Director of Halliday Wine Companion, who specialises in drinks, food and travel.
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LearnViognierRed WineChenin blancWineSauvignon BlancFrench regionWhite WineChardonnay
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