Ingredients
5 Styles of Dry White Wine Commonly Used for Cooking
Crisp White Wine, Such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Unoaked Chardonnay - This is your go-to category. If possible, choose a wine that has a moderate alcohol content (ideally between 10 and 13 percent) and generous acidity. Why? Highly alcoholic wines may take longer to reduce and often do not have the necessary acidity, which adds brightness, while tenderizing.
My three favorite grape varietals for cooking are Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and unoaked Chardonnay. Pinot Grigio is the most neutral of the three, which makes it the most versatile. Sauvignon Blanc provides racy acidity, which is particularly delicious in seafood dishes or with sauces utilizing heavy cream. Chardonnay contributes the most richness of the three.
Preparation
I know it seems counterintuitive, but avoid purchasing wines labeled, “cooking wines,” for they often contain salt and other additives. In general, choose unoaked, dry, medium-bodied white wines. In a pinch, you can always substitute a dry vermouth. Bonus? While slightly more expensive, the vermouth has a longer shelf life, which makes it a great option for those, who only imbibe occasionally.
6 Very Drinkable Crisp, Dry Whites to Cook With Duck Pond Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2013, $12 Gabbiano Pinot Grigio della Venezie IGT, Italy, 2012, $8 Black Box Sauvignon Blanc Valle Central, Chile, NV, $24 (this is a 3-liter box, which represents an average $6 per bottle) Anselmi Friulano, Collio DOC, Italy, 2012, $10 Toad Hollow, Chardonnay, Mendocino County, California, 2012, $13 Mouton Cadet, Sauvignon Blanc, Bordeaux, France, 2012, $10
