7 White Wine Varietals You Need To Know

Oct 7, 2013

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If you are like most casual wine enthusiasts, you can probably name two or three varietals in each category: red and white. But it can be great fun to learn about other lesser-known varietals as you expand your palate. These tasty white wine varietals can be a great addition to your collection for both special occasions and every day enjoyment.

White Wine Tips

As you learn more about white wine varietals, it can also be helpful to know these facts.

White wine can be dry or sweet. Dry wine has lower residual sugars than sweet wine. Other elements, including tannins and blending, can also impact how “sweet” or “dry” a white wine tastes on your palate.
White wine can be bubbly or still. You probably know bubbly white wine by the terms “sparkling” or “champagne.”

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is perhaps the best known of all white wine varietals. Chardonnay originates from Burgundy in France but is also produced in many other regions, including the United States. Chardonnay is the most full-bodied of the white grapes and often is described as having a lush, velvety, buttery or creamy.

Pinot Grigio

Pinot grigio hails from Italy. It is known as pinot gris in France and malvoisie in Italy. Pinot grigio is also produced in the United States. In terms of body, pinot grigio falls in between chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. It has a lighter body and more acid than a chardonnay but the fruit tones are not as pronounced as in a sauvignon blanc.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon blanc also comes from France originally. Sauvignon blanc also grows quite readily in Australia and New Zealand. Tart, sour fruit tones reign supreme in this very light white wine. Often tasters will also note citrus and melon notes along with herbal and smoky undertones. Because of its light, mixed bouquet, sauvignon blanc tends to be a versatile serving wine.

Gewürztraminer

Gewürtztraminer originates in Germany and is also produced in the United States. This fruity, floral grape is considered a sipping wine or an after-dinner wine. It also has a very aromatic bouquet when you sniff it.

Moscato

Moscato grapes are most prevalent in Italy and Austria. Often this sweet grape is described as having overtones of grapefruit and some musk. Moscato, like Riesling, is frequently served with the dessert course.

Semillon

Pronounced “say-mee-yaw,” the semillon grape principally comes from France. Other production regions include the United States, Chile and Argentina. This distinct wine is often described as containing strong berry and fig tones. You may find Semillon served alone or blended with sauvignon blanc.

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