The Flavors Of White Wine

With so many varieties of wine hailing from some of the best vineyards in the country, it can certainly be a challenge to find your favorite or know what to pair with your meal. To simplify the process, here is a glossary of terms concerning white wines that will help you make the best choice.

 

 

Herbaceous

 

While not a term you might associate with wine, herbaceous flavors signify those earthy “green” aromas you might associate with freshness and warmth. Scents of warm grass, bell pepper, and even jalapeno grace the bottles of certain white wines. These include the popular Sauvignon blanc, Erbaluce, and Vermentino, among others.

 

To pair these wines, take your cue from the major aromas. In other words, an herbaceous wine pairs well with green herbs. Focus on dishes that feature rosemary, cilantro, mint, or basil. As with most white wines, you should avoid red meats. With herbaceous wines, chicken, pork, and some seafood work well.

 

 

Light and Zesty

 

The perky flavors in these wines create a light-bodied wine with a fresh aroma and taste. These wines will be dry and lack the fruity sweetness of other white wines.  Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio (or Gris in France), Muscadet, and Verdicchio are some of the most common zesty wines that you will encounter.

 

When pairing a zesty wine, the citrus flavors can often stand out very strongly. Because of this, you’ll want to avoid foods with too much sweetness, since this can over-enhance the tanginess of the wine. Instead, focus on fish and seafood, especially in a pasta dish. Octopus, clams, and even fried fish and chips are ideal pairings for a light and zesty wine, as the lemony notes complement the seafood.

 

 

Bold and Dry

 

These wines are inundated with lots of powerful flavors. Though dry, they can often contain creamy notes of vanilla or butter due to the oak-barrel aged process. Wines like Chardonnay, White Rioja, and Semillon fall into this category.

 

Because of the strong flavors and aromas these wines boast, take care to pair with extremely mild foods. An inoffensive Brie allows the flavors to shine through, as do cream- or butter-based sauces. When choosing a dish, go light on the meat and heavy on the texture. For example, a creamy prawn pasta will enhance the buttery flavors of the wine, and a rich vegetable risotto will bring out the buttery notes.

 

Light and Sweet

 

 

A light and sweet wine will be ever so slightly sweeter than a dry wine but still, be lighter-bodied. These wines appeal to people who don’t prefer dry wines but don’t want to overpower their palette or their meal. Moscato and Riesling will be the most common and popular of the light and sweet varieties. Riesling features more a more fruity flavor with a touch of bitterness, while Moscato is much sweeter and boasts lovely floral and spiced notes.

 

Unlike most white wines, the light and sweet varieties pair well with spicy dishes. This is because they generally have a lower alcohol content, and also because the sweetness counteracts the spice of the dish. If you love spicy cuisines like Mexican, Thai, or Korean, this is one of the few white wines that will work well. Moscato, especially, works well with charcuterie.

 

Bold and Sweet

 

 

Our final type of white wine, the bold and sweet wines are just as they sound – full of flavor and sweeter than most wines. Look for ice wine, sherry, Madeira, or white port to experience a punch of flavor and sweetness.

 

Because they are so sweet, these wines go very well with desserts and chocolate. An ice wine will pair wonderfully with cheesecake, ice cream, and hard cheeses. Meanwhile, a white port accompanies chocolate desserts that are richer in flavor. If you’d like sweet wine to accompany a meal instead of dessert, foods with strong flavors will stand up well to the strong flavors. Rich or salty dishes go especially well, so choose salty fish dishes or pate.

 

Conclusion

Choosing a white wine is much easier when you know what you prefer, what you want, and what you’re eating. For a fantastic array of white wines – and incredible seafood dishes to accompany them – check out Abbey Road Pub.

February 2020

Abbey Road Pub & Restaurant Est. 1982


abbey-road-beatles-virginia-beach

203 22nd Street, Va. Beach, Va. 23451

(757) 425-6330


Here’s What’s Happening Eight Days a Week at Abbey Road for the Month of February 2020.


february in virginia beach 2020

A DAY IN THE LIFE… SOME BEATLES TRIVIA.

1. What did Paul buy his father for his 62nd birthday?

2. In what countries was the movie (starring John, his first) “How I Won the War” filmed?  


LOCAL’S RULE HAPPY HOURS AT ABBEY ROAD 3-6 PM EVERYDAY!!

events in virginia beach valentines day

Featuring:

All 42 DRAFTS & CRAFTS ON TAP!

Well Drinks

Wine

Bottled Beer

3.00 SHOTS!

Special HH 3-7 (must be seated at the bar) includes buy one app get the 2nd Free!


Join us for Restaurant Week February 3rd – 9th! Two Course Lunch Specials for $10.

Three Course Dinner Specials for $25! See our Facebook Page for details!

Virginia Beach Restaurant Week

Valentine’s Dinner Special for Two, Friday, February 14th!

Choice of any two Entrees (priced 19.99 or less)

Seafood Bisque or She Crab Soup

Fresh Garden Salads & Homemade Desserts

Bottle of Wine or Champagne – $69.95 plus tax.   Reservations now being accepted.

Valentines Day in Virginia Beach

Tuesdays – Open Mic with host Doug Dunn.

In March, Live Music Coming Wednesdays – Mike Proffitt, & Thursdays – Fixity!

open mic night in virginia beach

February Weekends

31st & February 1st– Mike Binetti

7th & 8th– Suzy & 2 Naturals

14th & 15th– Marty Moore

21st & 22nd– Geneva Rivera

28th & 29th– Fixity w/Bernie & Sherri


Drink your way Around the World in 80 Beers and join the Abbey Road Pub Club!

Experience the flavour, texture, and aroma of some of the world’s finest beers.

From Belgium to Brazil, the ales of England to the strong pilsners of Germany, you will truly enjoy your journey.

Your travels will also take you across the U. S., from the east coast to the west, where you will savor some of the finest micro brews in the world. Upon completion of your journey your name will be posted on our Pub Club Board along with your fellow travelers.

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TODAY!


A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO ABBEY ROAD

elevator oceanfront

My girlfriend always prefers the stairs, whereas I always like to take the elevator…I guess we were raised differently.


1. A Racehorse



2. Germany & Spain


Good Food, Good Times, & Around the World in 80 Beers!

February 2019

Abbey Road Pub & Restaurant Est. 1982


abbey-road-beatles-virginia-beach

 203 22nd Street, Va. Beach, Va. 23451

(757) 425-6330


Here’s What’s Happening Eight Days a Week at Abbey Road for the Month of February 2019.


february 2019

A DAY IN THE LIFE… SOME BEATLES TRIVIA.

1. Who was John’s best man at his wedding to Yoko?

2. When was John born?


 LOCAL’S RULE HAPPY HOUR AT ABBEY ROAD 3-6 PM EVERYDAY!!!Virginia Beach local happy hour drink deals

Featuring:

All 42 DRAFTS & CRAFTS ON TAP!

Well Drinks

Wine

Bottled Beer

3.00 SHOTS!

Special (must be seated at the bar)Bar HH  includes buy one app get the  2nd  Free!  


Tuesdays – Open Mic with host Doug Dunn


valentines day 2019

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Us Thursday, February 14th, 2019.

Dinner for Two Includes:

  • Seafood Bisque

  • She Crab Soup

  • Fresh Garden Salads

Choice of:

  • Any two Entrees ($19.99 or less)

  • Homemade Desserts

  • Bottle of Wine $69.95

Reservations now being accepted. 757 425-6330


February Weekends

1st & 2nd– Willie Byrn

8th & 9th– Rob Oliver

15th & 16th– Geneva Rivera

22rd & 23rd– Fixity


 Drink your way Around the World in 80 Beers and join the Abbey Road Pub Club!drink specials and happy hour specials


Experience the flavour, texture, and aroma of some of the world’s finest beers.

From Belgium to Brazil, the ales of England to the strong pilsners of Germany, you will truly enjoy your journey.

Your travels will also take you across the U. S., from the east coast to the west, where you will savor some of the finest micro brews in the world. Upon completion of your journey your name will be posted on our Pub Club Board along with your fellow travelers.

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TODAY!


 A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO ABBEY saladROAD

  1. Alcohol! Because no great story started with someone eating a salad.
  2. I think the worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades.
  3. Doesn’t expecting the unexpected make the unexpected expected?

 


1. Pete Brown

2. October 9th, 1940

john lennon birthday


Good Food, Good Times, & Around the World in 80 Beers!