First of all, what is a grape variety ? Well, a grape variety is simply a type of vine that produces a specific grape (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, etc.).
The grape variety plays a key role in the identity of a wine as it brings to it its unique characteristics such as its aromas, acidity, or even its tannins. Each grape variety indeed has its own structure, allowing the creation of cuvées with varied aromatic profiles, capable of appealing to all palates.
However, the same grape variety can express different attributes depending on its environment. The soil, climate, yields, and even the winemaking style all strongly influence the taste and quality of a wine.
In this guide, we will introduce you to the main grape varieties of white wines: from great classics such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to other less renowned but equally interesting varieties such as Vermentino or Viognier are on the agenda.
Happy discovering!
Summary
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most famous white grape varieties in the world.Originally from Burgundy, where it is still very prominent, it is also cultivated in many other regions of France such as Loire or Languedoc-Roussillon. This grape offers a great variety of styles, ranging from dry and mineral wines to rich and buttery cuvées when aged in barrels. It will often display aromas of citrus, white-fleshed fruits, and will feature a balanced acidity as well as a velvety texture.
Appellations such as Chablis, Meursault or even Puligny-Montrachet are, for example, entirely dedicated to it.
The Sauvignon blanc
The Sauvignon blanc is a grape variety originating from the Loire Valley. It is still very present there, as seen in appellations such as Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Quincy or Reuilly where the variety reigns supreme.
Also grown in other regions such as Bordeaux or Southwest France, Sauvignon has also developed strongly internationally in countries such as South Africa, Chile, or the United States.
This grape stands out for its beautiful liveliness on the palate and expresses aromas of boxwood, citrus, peach, and even exotic fruits.Offering a lovely freshness on tasting, it pairs ideally with seafood and fish. The Chenin A grape variety also emblematic of the Loire Valley, Chenin is recognized and adored for its great versatility as well as its aromatic nobility. Indeed, it allows the production of a wide range of wines, from dry white to sweet wine, including sparkling wines. Capable of expressing a great range of flavors, it reveals aromas of quince, citrus, peach, and apricot when vinified dry or as sparkling wine. Sweet wines made from Chenin, on the other hand, develop delicious notes of candied fruit and honey.Please note that Chenin is the single grape variety used in appellations such as Vouvray, Savennières or Montlouis-sur-Loire.
The Riesling
Riesling is a white grape variety of German origin. In France, it is mainly grown in Alsace.
With its lovely freshness, it is also distinguished by great minerality as well as fruity aromas (citrus, peach, apricot), floral notes and sometimes petroleum notes (hydrocarbons).
This is a very noble variety mainly vinified as a single varietal but can also be used in the production of certain Crémants d’Alsace.
On the finest terroirs (notably the 51 Alsatian Grands Crus), Riesling is capable of offering a high level of complexity and can have remarkable aging potential. It pairs wonderfully well with seafood and fish.
The Gewurztraminer
The Gewurztraminer is one of the emblematic grape varieties of the Alsace region and is also quite easily recognizable in tasting thanks to its aromatic exuberance. Indeed, it develops notes of exotic fruits such as lychee, mango, pineapple, and also offers floral aromas (notably rose) as well as spicy notes.
It can be vinified as dry white wine, semi-dry, and even sweet wine.
From a culinary pairing perspective, it pairs ideally with foie gras but also with spicy and exotic cuisines.
Marsanne && Roussanne
If we associate these two grape varieties here, it is because they are also often blended due to their very complementary characteristics .
Marsanne and Roussanne indeed play an essential role in the Rhône Valley where they are regularly blended.
Marsanne is known for its silky texture as well as its aromas of white fruits, white flowers, and almonds.
As for Roussanne, it stands out for its generous body as well as its great aromatic finesse. It exudes notes of ripe white fruits as well as floral aromas. When sourced from quality terroirs, it offers excellent aging potential. Depending on the profile, these grape varieties can be paired with salads, fish, and also white meats.
The Vermentino (or Rolle)
The Vermentino grape variety, also known as Rolle, is a variety widely grown in Corsica and in Provence.
Renowned for its ability to thrive in warm and sunny climates, Vermentino nevertheless produces wines of great freshness and remarkable elegance. Its aromatic profile evokes white flowers (honeysuckle, hawthorn), peach, apricot, as well as citrus fruits. A beautiful acidity helps to balance its often generous body.
Wines made from Rolle are perfect to pair with seafood, grilled fish, or summer salads.
It should be noted that this grape variety can also be aged in barrels, then taking on a indulgentrich and generous character that pairs better with white meats or fish in sauce. The AOC Patrimonio and Côtes-de-Provence notably offer very fine expressions of this variety.
The Muscat
Muscat is known and appreciated for its incredible aromatic expressiveness. Indeed, it is capable of creating wines with captivating aromas of fresh grapes, white flowers, citrus fruits, white fruits, and honey.
Its main characteristic therefore lies in its richness of aromas, allowing the production of dry white wines, sweet wines, Natural Sweet Wines and even sparkling wines.
In France, Muscat is found in Alsace, in the Rhône Valley, the Languedoc-Roussillon or even in Provence.Some appellations are even dedicated to it such as the AOC Muscat de Rivesaltes, Muscat du Cap-Corse, or even Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise!
When vinified dry, Muscat pairs very well with asparagus, summer salads, or even with spicy and exotic cuisines. When it is made sweet, it is best reserved for dessert (Tarte Tatin, Mango Charlotte, etc.).)
Note that Muscat is also available as orange wine as is done, for example, by Domaine des Schistes in Roussillon!
Viognier
Viognier is a grape variety capable of producing very great wines and whose preferred region is the Rhône Valley (AOC Condrieu, Château Grillet, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes, etc.). With low acidity, it is highly appreciated for its aromatic indulgent richness and generosity.
Its usual markers are peach, apricot, pear, mirabelle plum, certain floral aromas, as well as honey.It is a grape variety often vinified in oak barrels, which then gives it notes of vanilla, butter, and other sweet spices. Hard to resist!
Beyond the Rhône Valley, Viognier is also found in Provence and in Languedoc-Roussillon.
Wonderful pairings with asparagus, lobster, crayfish, salmon and river fish (Pike, Perch, etc.) are most welcome here.Spicy and exotic cuisines also work wonders with this delicious grape variety!
The Sémillon
Originally from Bordeaux, Sémillon is a white grape variety used to produce delicious dry white wines, such as those made in appellations like Entre-deux-mers or Pessac-Léognan. Nevertheless, its reputation mainly comes from the sweet white wines it allows to produce, as is the case in Sauternes.
Sémillon offers a rounded aromatic profile and indulgente, perfectly balancing the liveliness of Sauvignon with which it is regularly blended. In its youth, it develops notes of citrus, apricot, white flowers, and even honey. A certain smoothness and richness emerges from wines made from Sémillon.
Thanks to its sensitivity to noble rot, it can be harvested late and allows the production of wonderful sweet wines with a buttery texture and aromas of roasted peach, honey, mango, pineapple, etc. Absolute delights that pair magically with foie gras as well as dessert.
Now, you are familiar with the characteristics of the main white grape varieties found in France and around the world. From now on, all that remains is to move from theory to practice, which, let’s admit, is much more exciting!
Cheers and see you soon at La Cave Éclairée !
