21 Essential Types of White Wine to Know

Marsanne produces rich, nutty wines with notes of pear and melon, while Roussanne contributes floral aromatics and flavors of stone fruit and honey.

Notable Regions:

Northern Rhône (France), Victoria (Australia)

Food Pairing:

• Lobster, scallops, and other shellfish

• Creamy pasta dishes and risottos

• Roasted poultry, particularly chicken or turkey with gravy or cream-based sauces

13. Fiano

Fiano is a white wine grape variety that is native to southern Italy, particularly the Campania region. This grape produces full-bodied wines with high acidity and complex aromatic profiles that often include notes of honey, nuts, and spice. Fiano wines are known for their ability to age well, developing additional complexity and depth over time.

Notable Regions:

Campania (Italy), Sicily (Italy)

Food Pairing:

• Rich seafood dishes, such as grilled swordfish or shellfish in creamy sauces

• Roasted poultry, particularly chicken or guinea fowl

• Medium-aged cheeses like Pecorino or Manchego

• Dishes featuring almonds, hazelnuts, or exotic spices

 

14. Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a versatile white wine grape variety that originated in France's Loire Valley, where it is used to produce a range of styles from dry to sweet, and light-bodied to full-bodied. This grape produces wines with high acidity and complex flavors that often include notes of apple, pear, honey, and minerals. Chenin Blanc wines can age well, developing additional depth and complexity over time.

Notable Regions:

Loire Valley (France), South Africa (where it is known as Steen)

Food Pairing:

• Rich seafood dishes, such as lobster, crab, or scallops in creamy sauces

• Roasted poultry, particularly chicken or turkey

• Pork dishes with sweet or fruity sauces

• Medium-aged goat cheeses or soft, creamy cow's milk cheeses

• Dishes featuring honey, almonds, or stone fruits like peaches or apricots

 

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Aromatic White Wine Varieties

15. Riesling

Riesling is a highly aromatic white wine grape variety that originated in Germany but is now grown in many cool-climate regions worldwide. This grape is known for producing wines with high acidity, intense aromatics, and flavors that range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Dry Riesling wines are crisp and refreshing, with notes of green apple, citrus, and mineral, while sweeter styles like Kabinett and Spätlese showcase ripe fruit flavors of peach, apricot, and honey.

Notable Regions:

Mosel, Rheingau (Germany), Alsace (France), Clare Valley, Eden Valley (Australia), Finger Lakes (New York)

Food Pairing:

• Dry Riesling: light seafood, sushi, grilled white fish, salads, vegetable-based dishes

• Off-dry and sweet Rieslings: spicy Asian food, Thai curries, Sichuan stir-fries, fruit-based desserts like apple pie or lemon tart

 

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16. Gewurztraminer

Gewurztraminer is an aromatic white wine grape variety that originated in the Alsace region of France but is also grown in Germany, Italy, and the United States. This grape produces distinctive wines with intense floral aromas, typically featuring notes of lychee, rose, and ginger.

Gewurztraminer wines are usually medium to full-bodied with relatively low acidity, and they can range from dry to sweet. These wines are known for their bold, expressive character and pair well with equally flavorful dishes, such as spicy Indian and Asian cuisine, strong cheeses, and sweet desserts.

Notable Regions:

Alsace (France), Alto Adige (Italy), Pfalz (Germany), Monterey County (California)

Food Pairing:

• Indian and Asian cuisine, such as curries, stir-fries, and tandoori dishes

• Strong, pungent cheeses like Munster or Époisses

• Sweet desserts like fruit tarts or crème brûlée

17. Torrontés

Torrontés is a highly aromatic white wine grape variety that is native to Argentina and is the country's signature white grape. This grape produces wines with intense floral aromas, often described as a combination of rose, geranium, and citrus blossom.

Torrontés wines are typically light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and flavors of peach, apricot, and citrus. These wines are best enjoyed young and pair well with light, spicy dishes, such as ceviche, Thai salads, and sushi.

Notable Regions:

Salta (Argentina), La Rioja (Argentina)

Food Pairing:

• Ceviche and other raw seafood preparations

• Sushi and sashimi

• Thai salads, Vietnamese spring rolls, and other Southeast Asian dishes

18. Moscato

Moscato is a family of aromatic white wine grape varieties that are grown throughout Italy and other regions worldwide.

The most well-known variety is Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, which is used to produce the sparkling wine Moscato d'Asti in Italy's Piedmont region.

Moscato wines are typically sweet, light-bodied, and effervescent, with intense floral and fruit aromatics that include notes of orange blossom, peach, and apricot.

Notable Regions:

Piedmont (Italy), Asti (Italy)

Food Pairing:

• Light, fruit-based desserts, such as peach cobbler, berry tarts, or panna cotta

• Spicy Asian dishes with a touch of sweetness, like Pad Thai or sweet and sour chicken

• As an aperitif or brunch wine, pairing well with light pastries and fresh fruit

 

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Sweet White Wine Varieties and Styles

19. Late Harvest and Noble Rot wines

Late Harvest and Noble Rot wines are sweet white wines made from grapes that have been left on the vine longer than usual, allowing them to develop higher sugar levels and, in some cases, be affected by a beneficial fungus called Botrytis cinerea, or "noble rot."

Botrytis causes the grapes to shrivel and concentrate their flavors, resulting in intensely sweet, complex wines with notes of honey, apricot, and nuts. Some famous examples of Noble Rot wines include Sauternes from Bordeaux, Tokaji Aszú from Hungary, and Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) from Germany and Austria. These wines are often enjoyed as dessert wines or paired with rich, creamy cheeses and foie gras.

20. Ice Wines

Ice wines, or Eiswein in German, are sweet white wines made from grapes that have been frozen on the vine. The freezing concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes, resulting in a sweet, intensely flavored wine with high acidity. Ice wines are produced in cool-climate regions where temperatures consistently drop below freezing during the winter months, such as Germany, Austria, and Canada. These wines are typically made from Riesling or Vidal Blanc grapes and are characterized by their honey, apricot, and tropical fruit flavors. Ice wines are often served as dessert wines or paired with fruit-based desserts and blue cheeses.

21. Fortified Sweet Whites

Fortified sweet white wines are wines that have been fortified with a neutral grape spirit, such as brandy, during the fermentation process.

This fortification halts the fermentation, preserving some of the grape's natural sweetness and boosting the alcohol content.

Some famous examples of fortified sweet white wines include:

• Sherry from Spain: Sherry styles like Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel are known for their rich, dark fruit and nutty flavors, while lighter styles like Fino and Manzanilla are crisp and saline.

• Port from Portugal: Although more commonly made from red grapes, Port also produces white versions with nutty, caramel, and dried fruit notes.

• Madeira from the Portuguese island of the same name: Madeira wines range from dry to sweet and are characterized by their high acidity and unique "maderized" flavor, resulting from the wine's exposure to heat during the aging process.

These wines are typically made from white grape varieties native to their respective regions and are aged in barrels for extended periods, developing complex flavors and aromas.

Fortified sweet white wines are often enjoyed as aperitifs or dessert wines, paired with nuts, cheese, or rich desserts like chocolate and caramel.

Factors Influencing White Wine Styles

Climate and terroir

Cool-climate regions produce white wines with higher acidity, lower alcohol, and delicate fruit flavors, such as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Warmer regions produce fuller-bodied wines with riper fruit, higher alcohol, and lower acidity, like Chardonnay and Viognier. Soil type, elevation, and proximity to water also influence the wine's style.

Winemaking techniques

Oak aging imparts flavors of vanilla, toast, and spice, contributing to a creamier texture and fuller body in whites like Chardonnay. Malolactic fermentation converts tart malic acid into softer lactic acid, resulting in a creamier texture and buttery flavor. Lees stirring and extended skin contact also impact the wine's style.

Sweetness levels

White wine sweetness ranges from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Dry whites, like Sauvignon Blanc, have little to no residual sugar. Off-dry whites, such as some Rieslings, have slight sweetness balanced by high acidity. Sweet whites, including late-harvest and fortified wines, have higher residual sugar levels.

Storing and Serving White Wines

To fully enjoy your white wines, it's essential to store and serve them correctly. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

Proper storage conditions

White wines should be stored in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature between 45-65°F (7-18°C) and a relative humidity of around 70%. Avoid storing your wines in areas with direct sunlight, vibration, or strong odors, as these can negatively impact the wine's flavor and aroma.

Ideal serving temperatures

The ideal serving temperature for white wine depends on the style and body of the wine. As a general rule:

• Crisp, light-bodied whites: Serve well-chilled, around 45-50°F (7-10°C)

• Full-bodied, oaked whites: Serve slightly warmer, around 50-55°F (10-13°C)

• Sweet whites: Serve chilled, around 45-50°F (7-10°C)

Avoid over-chilling your white wines, as this can mute their flavors and aromas. If a wine is too cold, allow it to warm up slightly in the glass before consuming.

 

Which Type of White Wine Will You Explore First?

Exploring the various types of white wine offers a diverse range of styles and flavors to suit every palate, from crisp and light-bodied varieties to full-bodied and complex wines.

Understanding the factors that influence these different types of white wine, such as climate, terroir, and winemaking techniques, can help you appreciate their nuances and complexity.

As you continue your white wine journey, consider investing in a wine preservation system like the Coravin Timeless Three or Pivot, which allows you to pour wine without removing the cork, keeping your opened bottles fresh for longer.

Remember that the key to enjoyment is experimentation and discovery, so don't be afraid to try new types of white wine from various styles and regions!

Want to expand your wine knowledge even more? Check out 6 more types of wine you should know here.