You’re the only one in the room.
The only one that matters, amirite? But seriously, if you prefer white wine, then you’re a special kind of wine enthusiast—an uncommon one, but a special one, nevertheless. Own it. A word to the wise, be careful with mixed company! Admitting you’re a fan of white wines to other wine people is a risky thing to do – it’s like being a skier in a group of snowboarders. But you can take it. You won’t let someone else’s opinion get in the way of your good taste.
“White wine is cheap. Therefore, you have cheap taste.”
Haha, no. Just no. You might want to walk that one back. This logical fallacy is a red wine lover’s favorite argument. They’ve undoubtably noticed that many white wines are less expensive than red wines. So, they assume that white wines are lower quality. Here’s some ammo next time this happens to you:
- Firstly, the advancement of wine technology has made white winemaking more cost effective. There are now super high-end tools (like uber-fancy specialized pneumatic white wine presses, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, etc) that make processing white wine grapes easier and faster than ever before. In many ways, technology for white wines is leaps and bounds ahead of red wines!
- Secondly, most white wines do not require extra time in cellar for aging, nor do they require oak aging. Time is costly, and so is oak.
- Finally, the popularity of white wines is lower on the high end, making the supply-demand economics different. (This is fantastic news for white wine lovers, if you look at the positive side.)
Actually. On second thought. You shouldn’t say anything at all. More for us.
“You’re obviously not that serious about wine.”
Ever read wine descriptions? Why do red wines get all the best ones? Why can’t a white wine be “rich,” “brooding,” and “thoughful?”
Say it with us, folks: Just because a wine is light-bodied and fun to drink doesn’t mean it’s not serious. This is the same backward logic that allows crappy dramas into the Oscars, while outstanding comedies don’t even get nominated. It takes a great deal of talent to make delicious Mosel Riesling, Albariño, and Chenin Blanc. Also, pour one out for comedy. Lord knows we need some laughs.
“White wines don’t age, thus they’re low quality.”
Besides the fact that this statement is just flat-out wrong, ageability isn’t always a prerequisite for quality. Certainly there are many red wines that reach their peak after a decade or so of aging. But, some wines are meant to be fresh! That said, if you’re being hounded on this point, here are a few examples of white wines that age longer than most reds. Have fun dropping this knowledge:
- Rioja Blanco (crazy-delightful white from Spain lives up to 20 years)
- Vintage Champagne (upwards of 50 years)
- PX (aka Pedro Ximénez – not a guy’s name. This wine is sweet and starts tasting great at around 30 years and gets even better after that)
- Boal Madeira (~100 years)
Honestly, we could go on and on. But then, a delicious bottle of Riesling came along. Just proof that wine doesn’t solve problems, but it can put them in time-out.
So now it’s your turn.
What have you had to put up with as a #whitewinelover?