But it is my feeling that the variety of white wines for Shavuos 1998 is the most complete to date. Before diving into a list of the best wines, allow me to briefly explain why white wines are what they are. White wines across the board are lighter in body and more delicate in taste compared to red wines. Tannin, which contributes to the dry, mouth-puckering sensation experienced when drinking many red wines, comes from grape skins. Since white wines spend much less time in contact with the skins than red wines, this sensation is largely absent when drinking white wines.
Tannins are also much of the reason that wines mellow or improve with age.
The younger the tannins, the more edge the wine has. White wines have little tannin, and therefore do not greatly improve with age. Lastly, white wines taste better chilled. Placing the bottle in the refrigerator forty-five minutes to an hour before serving is generally more than enough. White wines, like red wines, vary in taste from sweet to very dry.