The Ramban (Rabbi Moshe Nahmanides, Spain, 1194-1270) ruled that white wine may not be used for Kiddush on Shabbat, because Kiddush requires wine that is suitable for pouring on the Mizbe’ah (altar) in the Mikdash. As white wine was not suitable for the libations on the altar, it is likewise unsuitable for Kiddush. The Shulhan Aruch cites the opinion of the Ramban, but rules in accordance with those who disagree and allow using white wine for Kiddush. Therefore, although white wine is acceptable for Kiddush, it is preferable to use red wine.
The Halachic authorities also disagreed with regard to wine which is Mebushal (meaning, it had been brought to a boil). The Rambam maintained that as Mebushal wine may not be used for the wine libations, it is likewise unsuitable for Kiddush. Halacha does not follow this view, though those who wish to act stringently to satisfy all opinions should use non-Mebushal wine for Kiddush.
Wine that was left in an uncovered bottle overnight should preferably not be used for Kiddush. If one did recite Kiddush over such wine he has fulfilled his Misva, but preferably it should not be used. Hacham Bension Abba Shaul (Israel, 1923-1998) rules that if an uncovered bottle was left overnight in an enclosed area, such as a refrigerator or cabinet, then it may be used, as long as it still smells and tastes like ordinary wine.
Wine that emits a foul odor may not be used for Kiddush, even if it tastes like ordinary wine. Hacham Bension Abba Shaul rules that Muscata wine, which emits a foul odor in the early stages of the manufacturing process, may be used for Kiddush, since the final product does not emit a foul smell.
Although the Magen Abraham (Rav Abraham Gombiner, Poland, 1637-1682) rules that it is preferable to use wine for Kiddush, and not grape juice, other Poskim disagree. Some Poskim draw proof from the Shulhan Aruch’s ruling that one can press grapes on Friday and use the juice for Kiddush that night. By the same token, the grape juice sold in stores is perfectly acceptable for Kiddush. This is the ruling of Hacham Bension Abba Shaul and Hacham Ovadia Yosef. As mentioned, however, one who wants to be stringent should ensure to use red wine or grape juice that is not Mebushal.
Hacham Bension also notes that carbonated wine is acceptable for Kiddush, because it is still considered wine, as evidenced by the fact that its Beracha is "Boreh Peri Ha’gefen."
Summary: It is preferable to use red wine for Kiddush on Shabbat, though one fulfills the obligation with white wine, as well. Those who wish to be stringent should use wine that is not Mebushal for Kiddush, though as far as the strict Halacha is concerned, Mebushal wine is acceptable. Grape juice and carbonated wine are acceptable for Kiddush. Wine that emits a foul odor may not be used. Wine that has been left uncovered overnight should preferably not be used for Kiddush, unless it was stored in an enclosed area, like a refrigerator or cabinet.
