Everything you need to know about white wine vinegar
White wine vinegar is one of those ingredients I always have tucked away in the cupboard. It doesn’t get as much attention as balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but I probably use it more often than either of them. Whether I’m making a quick salad dressing, brightening up a sauce or adding a little extra flavour to vegetables, it’s one of the easiest ways to make food taste fresher and more balanced.
If you’ve ever bought a bottle for one recipe and wondered what else to do with it, you’re definitely not alone. Here are some of the most common uses for white wine vinegar and why it deserves a place in your kitchen.
What is white wine vinegar?
This is made in much the same way as apple cider vinegar, though with grapes instead of apples. Firstly, white wine is made from grapes and water, principally. Then, the vinegar is made by fermenting and oxidizing the wine into an acid that has a light and fruity flavour.
This distillation process (to turn the liquid from wine to vinegar) takes place in stainless steel vats called acetators. These vats expose the ethanol in the wine to oxygen, and, thusly, the acid is made.
This acid is then diluted with water until it reaches an acceptable level of acidity. Typically, this level is somewhere between five and seven per cent, though it changes depending on the manufacturer of the vinegar.
Another thing that can change between different varieties of white wine vinegar is the grapes used. Although the grapes in, say, balsamic vinegar, is typically known, white wine vinegar is often made from a number of wines, called āwine stockā.
What Does White Wine Vinegar Taste Like?
If you’ve never used white wine vinegar before, you might be wondering what it actually tastes like.
White wine vinegar has a sharp, tangy flavour but is usually milder and slightly fruitier than distilled white vinegar. Because it is made from fermented white wine, it often has subtle fruity notes that make it ideal for cooking.
Unlike balsamic vinegar, which is sweet and rich, white wine vinegar is lighter and more delicate. This makes it perfect for recipes where you want acidity without overpowering the other ingredients.
A small splash can help bring out flavours in soups, sauces, dressings and marinades without making food taste strongly of vinegar.
Is White Wine Vinegar Healthy?
White wine vinegar is very low in calories, with only a few calories per tablespoon, making it a useful ingredient if you are trying to eat healthily or lose weight.
Like other vinegars, it contains acetic acid, which gives vinegar its distinctive flavour. Some research suggests vinegar may help support blood sugar management when consumed as part of a balanced diet, although it should not be considered a treatment or replacement for medical advice.
For most people, white wine vinegar is simply a great way to add flavour to meals without relying on high-calorie sauces, dressings or oils.
As with any acidic food, it is best enjoyed in moderation and as part of a varied, balanced diet.
How to use white wine vinegar
It has a huge number of uses in the kitchen, and Iām always reaching for mine whenever I cook.
Itās a great choice to make up part of the brine for pickling various different sorts of fruit and veg. It has a subtle sweetness and a sharp acidity that balances well, when blended with distilled white vinegar, to form a great pickling liquid. Red onion or watermelon rind could be particularly good for pickling with that vinegar blend, though you might need to experiment a little to find a good vinegar to vinegar ratio.
White wine vinegar makes an amazing ingredient in salad dressing! Itās ideal for use in vinaigrettes: a simple mixture of vinegar and olive oil. Simply whisk a tablespoon of white wine vinegar with two to three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil – depending on how acidic youād like your salad dressing to be. Season with a little salt and pepper, and youāre good to go!
If youāre feeling particularly fancy, you can add a tablespoon of dijon mustard, or even a finely chopped small shallot to your vinegar. Once added, leave the vinegar for five to ten minutes, and then mix with the other dressing ingredients, and serve! This combination of flavours and textures will bring a bright lift to your salads, or whatever you choose to put the dressing on.
White wine vinegar is an endlessly valuable companion in the kitchen, and once you add it to a couple of your recipes, youāre sure to always have it to hand. Next time youāre cooking, try throwing a dash or two into a stew, and see just how much it can brighten up the flavour!
White Wine Vinegar Substitutes
Run out of white wine vinegar halfway through a recipe? Don’t panic. There are several alternatives that work well.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is usually the closest substitute. It has a similar acidity level but a slightly fruitier flavour.
Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar is milder and sweeter, making it ideal for salad dressings and Asian-inspired dishes.
Champagne Vinegar
Champagne vinegar has a delicate flavour similar to white wine vinegar and works well in most recipes.
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice can add a similar acidic lift to recipes, particularly dressings and marinades.
White Wine
If the recipe allows alcohol, a small amount of white wine can sometimes provide a similar flavour profile.
Frequently Asked Questions about White Wine Vinegar
Does white wine vinegar contain alcohol?
Most white wine vinegar contains little to no alcohol because it has been fermented into acetic acid during production.
Does white wine vinegar need refrigerating?
No. White wine vinegar can usually be stored in a cool cupboard after opening. Its acidity helps preserve it naturally.
Is white wine vinegar gluten-free?
White wine vinegar is generally gluten-free because it is made from grapes rather than wheat-containing grains. However, anyone with coeliac disease should always check product labels for confirmation.
Can I use white wine vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Often yes, but white wine vinegar is milder and slightly fruitier, so the flavour may be different.
What recipes use white wine vinegar?
White wine vinegar is commonly used in salad dressings, vinaigrettes, marinades, sauces, pickling liquids and vegetable dishes.
Other articles you may find helpful
- Rice vinegar – everything you need to know
- What is malt vinegar and how you can use it
- Balsamic vinegar, tips and tricks to use it
- Using apple cider vinegar in a cranberry drink
- What is apple cider vinegar
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