Cooking with wine can add a delicious flavour to your food, but what kind of white wine should you use? There are many different types of white wine, each with its own unique flavour that can enhance your recipe. Together, we will take a look at some of the best white wines to use when cooking and explore how they can add new impressive depths of flavour to your dishes!

Can you cook with any wine?

When it comes to cooking wine, there are two schools of thought. On one hand, any wine that you use during cooking to enhance your food can be considered cooking wine, whether it’s red wine, white wine, or rosé wine. These can be great to use in your recipes.

On the other hand, some wines are specifically labelled as “cooking wines.” While they do have alcohol like regular table wine, these mass-produced products are not actually for drinking. Typically, they’re made with loads of salt and preservatives to improve their shelf life.

So, which should you use? If you’re looking for a quality cooking wine that you can also drink, go for a regular bottle of table wine. However, if you’re just looking for something to throw into your sauce or marinade, a cooking wine will do the trick.

The do’s and don’ts of cooking with wine

When it comes to cooking with white wine, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, always opt for a dry white wine. Cooking intensifies the sweetness of the wine, so a dry wine will help to balance out the dish.

Second, don’t be afraid to experiment! There are plenty of great wines out there, so try different types until you find one that you like.

And finally, don’t forget to cook with what you’ll be serving. If you’re making a seafood dish, pair it with a light white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc. If you’re making a cream-based dish, go for a richer Chardonnay.

Which white wine should you use in your cooking?

Pinot Grigio

If you’re looking for a versatile white wine to use in cooking, Pinot Grigio is a great option. It’s light and crisp, with a slightly fruity flavour that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

When choosing a Pinot Grigio for cooking, look for one that is medium-bodied and has a bit of acidity. Avoid wines that are too sweet or have too much alcohol, as they can overpower the flavours of your dish. If you’re not sure which Pinot Grigio to choose, ask your local wine shop owner for recommendations.

Vinho Verde

If you’re not familiar with Vinho Verde, it’s a light, refreshing wine from Portugal that’s perfect for summer drinking. Vinho Verde is made from a blend of native Portuguese grape varieties, and typically has a slightly sour flavour with hints of green apple and citrus.

It’s also an effervescent wine (not quite enough to be classed as a semi-sparkling wine), which means it’s slightly bubbly. You could use it to prepare a chicken or turkey breast — cover the meat in some Vinho Verde, and get cooking.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is all about acidity, so if you’re looking for an ingredient to replace lemon or vinegar in a dish, then this wine is the one to use.

It pairs well with a wide variety of foods, and it’s refreshing and light-bodied, making it the perfect choice for a summer picnic. Whether you’re serving it with seafood or salads, Sauvignon Blanc is sure to be a hit.

Dry sherry

A small splash of sherry can add a touch of acidity and depth of flavour, making it the perfect ingredient for deglazing or for finishing off a cream sauce.

And because it comes in both dry and sweet varieties, sherry can be used in both savoury and sweet recipes. So next time you want to elevate your cooking, reach for the sherry bottle.

Dry vermouth

It’s especially frustrating when a recipe calls for just a cup of wine, and you’re left with the rest of a bottle you know you’re not going to finish in time. If this happens to you regularly, then we have the wine for you: dry vermouth.

Dry vermouth is a type of fortified wine that has been treated with herbs and spices. It is often used in cocktails, but it can also be used in cooking. Vermouth adds a unique flavour, and it can be used as a substitute for white wine or chicken stock. Due to its versatility, you can more easily use up those half-finished bottles of wine.

Sparkling wines

While sparkling wine may not seem like the first type of wine that comes to mind when you’re cooking, it can be used much the same as any other white wine.

However, you should keep in mind that different types of sparkling wine can vary, so think about the type you’re using before you pour it into a random sauce.

For example, prosecco is a good choice for sweeter dishes such as fruit salads or desserts, while cava is versatile enough to work well in both savoury and sweet dishes.

White Bordeaux

If you’re a fan of cooking with wine, then you’ve probably already realized that not all wines are created equal. Some are better for drinking, while others are better for cooking. But what about White Bordeaux? Is it good for cooking?

White Bordeaux is a great choice for cooking, thanks to its three main grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle.

The Sauvignon Blanc grape gives the wine a crisp, dry flavour that is perfect for cooking with. Meanwhile, the Semillon grape adds a bit of acidity to the mix, making it ideal for balancing out richer flavours. And finally, the Muscadelle grape lends a touch of sweetness to the wine, making it perfect for desserts or sauces.

Now the big question is, which wine will you cook with today?