Cooking with white wine is an art form in itself. With so many flavors and varieties, it can be difficult to know which type of white wine will best complement a dish. White wines can range from light and fruity to full-bodied and oaky, adding incredible depth of flavor to any recipe.
From classic dishes such as Coq au Vin or Risotto alla Milanese, to more creative recipes like Fish Tacos and things with cream sauces, the possibilities are endless when you use white wine for cooking! In this article we’ll explore the different types of white wines available on the market today, discuss how they pair with various dishes and ingredients, provide tips for cooking with them safely and offer some delicious recipes that feature white wine as an ingredient.
Different Types Of White Wine
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a popular white wine that is highly versatile for cooking. It is a dry wine with a buttery and rich flavor, and it is aged in oak barrels, giving it a distinct woody flavor. Chardonnay is an excellent choice for creamy soups, rich sauces, and dishes with buttery flavors, such as risotto, lobster thermidor, and wild mushroom pasta.
Sauvignon Blanc – Shop Here>
Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp and refreshing white wine. It has a high acidity level with a grassy, fruity flavor. Sauvignon Blanc is best used for dishes with ingredients such as green vegetables, chicken, and fish. It is an excellent choice for fish dishes such as fish and chips or grilled salmon. It also works well for salads, green vegetables dishes, and creamy soups.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is an italian wine with light fruit flavors. It’s an excellent choice for cooking lighter dishes, such as salads, risotto, and pasta. Pinot Grigio also works well in seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp or scallops. Do not use Pinot Grigio in dishes that require a strong wine flavor as it may not hold up well.
Riesling
Riesling cooking wines are known for their sweetness and acidity. It has a floral and fruity flavor that works well with desserts and spicy or savory dishes. Riesling is an excellent choice for sweet and sour dishes, such as stir-fries, or a spicy curry. It’s also an excellent pairing for creamy desserts with tropical fruits, such as mango or pineapple.
Moscato
Moscato is a sweet and fruity white wine with a low alcohol content. It is an excellent choice for desserts, such as poached pears, white chocolate mousse, and fruit tartlets. Moscato also works well with spicy dishes as it reduces the heat of the chili sauce and enhances the sweetness.
Classic recipes featuring white wine as an ingredient
Coq Au Vin Blanc
Coq Au Vin Blanc is a classic French dish that features chicken cooked in white wine and served with a cream sauce. This recipe calls for, sauté chopped onion, garlic, and cubed pancetta in a pan until crispy.
Add chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides. Once the chicken is browned, add dry white wine, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Let this simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and mix in heavy cream and Dijon mustard to the sauce, and then serve over the chicken.
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi is an easy and delicious pasta dish that can be ready in under 30 minutes. To make this dish, cook your preferred type of pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, heat a pan with butter, garlic, and crisp white wine.
Add the shrimp and cook until pink, remove the shrimp and add parsley and lemon juice to finish the sauce. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce and shrimp and serve.
Mussels
Mussels in white wine sauce is an elegant yet simple dish that can make any dinner special. Some also note dry white wines are better for cooking seafood. To make this dish, sauté shallots and garlic in a pan with butter, then add dry white wine and let it simmer. Add the mussels to the pan and cover until all the mussels have opened. After removing the mussels from the pan, mix in some heavy cream and serve with the white wine sauce, garnished with parsley.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is one of many creamy pasta dishes that is best cooked with a touch of white wine. To make this dish, cook fettuccine according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, sauté garlic in a pan with butter and white wine.
Add heavy cream to the pan and cook until creamy. Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce and sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and parsley.
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that is also cooked with white wine and diced tomatoes. To make this dish, brown chicken thighs in a pan, remove and set aside. In the same pan, cook diced onions, mushroom, peppers, and garlic.
Most recipes add white wine, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Let this simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the bay leaves and serve. The rich flavors in this dish would be sure to wow anyone.
Tips for cooking with white wine safely
Cooking with wine is an enriching experience; it brings out the flavors of food and gives them a delicious lift. But, it’s important to remember that although cooking with wine is safe, it can be dangerous if not done correctly. That’s why it’s crucial to understand how to use it safely in your cooking.
When using white wine, one critical consideration is the alcohol content. A high alcohol content can cause flare-ups when cooking. Therefore, it’s best to use wines with a lower alcohol content and dilute them with water if necessary. Another tip is ensuring that the wine has simmered for a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes.
This process will cook off the alcohol, leaving behind the rich flavor of the wine. With these safety tips, cooking with white wine is not only an enriching experience, but also a safe one.
How Expensive Is A Bottle Of White Wine
White wine can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per bottle. A more pricey bottle of white wine largely depends on the quality of the grapes used, the production process, and the region in which the wine is made. Generally, white wines that are produced in cooler climates, like those from Germany or France, tend to be more expensive due to the difficulty in growing grapes in those regions.
However, there are also many affordable and delicious white wines from regions like Spain or South Africa that won’t break the bank. Ultimately, the cost of a bottle of white wine depends on your budget and personal preferences.
What Is Fortified Wine And Can It Be Used For Cooking
Fortified wine is a wine that has been fortified with the addition of a distilled spirit, such as brandy or cognac. The result is a high-alcohol content wine that is rich and flavorful. This type of wine is often used as a dessert wine, but it can also be used for cooking. When used in cooking, fortified wine can add a depth of flavor to dishes such as sauces, stews, and even desserts.
It’s important to note that the high alcohol content can cause the wine to evaporate faster than other wines, so be sure to reduce cooking times when using fortified wine. With its unique taste and versatility, fortified wine is a great ingredient option for any home cook looking to elevate their dishes.
Final Thoughts About Cooking With White Wine
Using cooking wine can be a great way to add flavor and complexity to your food. By understanding the basics of how it works, you can safely use this ingredient in a variety of recipes. White wines come in different prices depending on quality and region, so there is sure to be an option that fits within any budget.
Whether you’re making mussels in white wine sauce or fettuccine Alfredo, adding some white wine will make these dishes even more delicious! So go ahead – grab yourself a bottle of white wine and get cooking!
