Who produces the best white wines? It’s a debate that rages as fiercely in the wine bars on metropolitan cities as it does in the vintners of provincial towns.

White wines from around the world

While Chardonnay remains the world’s favourite white wine, there is fierce argument over whether or not its the best. And, even if consensus can be reached over that, there is much discussion over which nation produces the best: France, Italy, the USA, Australia and New Zealand are among those laying claim to that crown.

White wine is made from the grape juice and grape skin of green, gold or yellowish coloured grapes, or from the juice – but not the skin – of selected red grapes. That is how it obtains its yellow, golden or straw-like colour.

One emerging area of production is Hungary, a nation that is increasingly-keen to win a slice of the lucrative worldwide market by producing mouth-watering wines.
Patricius Dry Furmint 2007 Tokaji is available at Shropshire’s Waitrose, in Newport, reduced to £7.99 from £9.99.

It’s a delightful, honeyed dry white made by a family owned Hungarian winery. Drinkers will enjoy its delicate palate and excellent mineral notes, with hints of honey and a refreshing finish. Its a food-friendly wine best paired with poultry or light fish dishes.

An interesting white from closer to home is Vincent de Vignaud 2007 Pouilly-Loché, Burgundy. The French wine is presently on offer at Waitrose, priced £9.99 from £13.99.

It is a delightful and refreshing burgundian white made from Chardonnay grapes and produced by a group of five growers from a village near Pouilly-Fuisse. The dominant flavours are refreshingly apple and citrus and it is perfect paired with seafood, poultry or fish.

Of course, whites from the Antipodes have become increasingly popular in recent years as buyers have snapped up delicious varietals from Australia and New Zealand. Few would argue that New Zealand tends to be home of some of the world’s finest Sauvignon Blancs but Australia produces delightful Chardonnays.

Rosemount Estate Show Reserve Chardonnay 2005/06 Hunter Valley, New South Wales, is presently on offer at Waitrose, priced £8.99 from £11.99. It’s an award-winning wine that stands up well to robus dishes like roast turkey, lobster, salmon or oriental stir-fries, not to mention oysters.

The special occasion drink has defined peachy fruit tastes with layers of biscuit and oak flavours. It will improve over coming years, making it a perfect bottle to keep in your cellar.

Another impressive Australian chardonnay is Wolf Blass Yellow Label Chardonnay 2008 S Australia. The rich, honeyed, vanilla-flavoured drink has smooth, tropical fruit flavours and a creamy palate.

It’s a full, oaky drink from a reputable producer with vibrant peach, melon and fig flavours that is vinified in French and American oak hogsheads. The wine has a buttery texture and is good for meaty dinners. It is presently on offer at Waitrose at £5.99, down from £8.99.

No round up of autumnal whites would be complete without mention of New Zealand sauvignon blancs. Its popularity has grown and grown and New Zealand remains home to what many wine critics consider the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc.

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, New Zealand, is presently available at Waitrose at just £5.99, down from £8.99. It’s a typical Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with aromatic and intense lime and gooseberry flavours.

The variety is literally bursting with flavour and there are also tones of passion fruit. Its crisp and zesty finish make it an invigorating drink perfectly matched with prawns, fish or chicken.

Another impressive sauvignon blanc is The Ned Waihopai River Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, New Zealand. That is presently on offer at Waitrose at £7.49, down from £9.99.

It’s a zesty single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc with excellent fruit-driven flavours with a smoky herbal twist, reminiscent of a good Sancerre. It’s the perfect partner to marinated scallops.