First of all, what is a grape variety ? Well, it's simply a variety of vine producing a specific grape!
As you can imagine, the grape variety is therefore a decisive element for the identity of a wine because it is this which will give it unique characteristics such as its aromas, its acidity or even its tannins .
Each grape variety having a unique structure , it is possible to create vintages with a great aromatic diversity, thus adapting to all tastes.
However, it is important to understand that a grape variety will express different attributes depending on where it evolves Indeed, elements such as the soil, the climate, the yields used or even the style of winemaking will all be factors which will have a decisive impact on the quality and taste of the wine produced.
In this guide, We will explore the main grape varieties of white wines , evoking great classics such as the Chardonnay or the Sauvignon blanc passing through other less renowned but equally interesting varieties such as the Vermentino or the Viognier .
Good discovery!
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most famous white grape varieties in the world. Originating from Burgundy where it is still very established, it is also cultivated in many other regions of France such as Loire or the Languedoc-Roussillon . This one offers a wide variety of styles , ranging from dry wines and minerals to rich, buttery vintages when it is aged in barrels . He will often present aromas of citrus fruits, white-fleshed fruits and will have a balanced acidity and a velvety texture.
Names like Chablis , Meursault or even Puligny-Montrachet are, for example, entirely dedicated to him.
THE Sauvignon blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a grape variety originating from the Loire Valley . This is still very present there, like the appellations as Sancerre , Pouilly-Fumé , Quincy or Reuilly where variety is king.
Also grown in other regions such as the Bordeaux or the Southwest , Sauvignon has also developed strongly internationally in countries such as South Africa, Chile and the United States.
The latter is distinguished by a nice liveliness in the mouth and expresses aromas of boxwood, citrus, peach or even exotic fruits . Offering a lovely freshness when tasting, it pairs ideally with seafood and fish.
THE Chenin
Grape variety also emblematic of the Loire Valley , the Chenin is recognized and adored for its great versatility as well as its aromatic nobility. This allows the production of a wide range of wines, ranging from dry white to sweet wine, including sparkling wines .
Capable of expressing a wide range of flavors, it expresses aromas of quince, citrus, peach and apricot when vinified dry or in bubbles.
Sweet wines made from Chenin develop delicious notes of candied fruit and honey . Note that Chenin is the sole grape variety of 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 cultivated in Alsace .
Equipped with a nice freshness , it is also distinguished by a great minerality as well as fruity aromas (citrus, peach, apricot), floral and sometimes oiled (hydrocarbons).
It is a very noble variety mainly vinified as a single grape variety but can also be used in the composition of certain Alsace sparkling wines .
On the most beautiful terroirs (notably the 51 Alsatian Grands Crus), Riesling is capable of offering a high level of complexity and can be equipped with remarkable storage capacity . It pairs wonderfully well with seafood and fish.
THE Gewurztraminer
Gewurztraminer is one of the emblematic grape varieties of the Alsace region and is also quite easily recognizable when tasting thanks to its aromatic exuberance . This is indeed evolving on notes of exotic fruits such as lychee, mango, pineapple and also offers floral aromas (especially the rose) or even spicy touches .
It can be vinified in dry, semi-dry and even sweet white wine .
From a culinary pairing point of view, this one pairs ideally with foie gras but also 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 characteristics very complementary .
Marsanne and Roussanne play an essential role in the Rhone Valley where they are regularly assembled.
The Marsanne is known for its silky texture and its aromas of white fruits, white flowers and almonds.
As for Roussanne , it is distinguished by its generous material as well as his great aromatic finesse . This one exudes notes of ripe white fruits as well as floral aromas. When coming from quality terroirs, the latter presents great aging potential Depending on the profiles, 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 very established variety in Corsica and in Provence .
Known for its ability to thrive under warm and sunny climates , Vermentino nevertheless gives birth to wines of great freshness and remarkable elegance . Its aromatic sound evokes THE white flowers (honeysuckle, hawthorn), peach, apricot and citrus fruits. A nice acidity helps to compensate for its often generous material.
The wines from Rolle are perfect to accompany seafood, grilled fish or even summer salads.
Note that this grape variety can also be aged in barrels, thus taking a gourmet and generous twist pairing better with white meats or fish in sauce. AOC Heritage And Coasts of Provence notably offer very beautiful expressions of this variety.
THE Muscat
Muscat is known and appreciated for its incredible aromatic expressiveness . This one is indeed 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 in aromas, allowing the production of dry white wines , sweet wines , of the Natural Sweet Wines and even sparkling wines .
In France, Muscat is present in Alsace , in the Rhone Valley , THE Languedoc-Roussillon or even in Provence . Some names are even dedicated to him. like AOCs Muscat of Rivesaltes , Muscat from Cap-Corse or even Muscat from Beaumes-de-Venise!
When vinified dry, Muscat goes very well with asparagus, summer salads or even spicy and exotic cuisines. When it becomes sweet, it is reserved for dessert (Tarte Tatin, Charlotte with mango, etc.)
Note that Muscat is also available in orange wine as for example the Schist Domain in Roussillon!
The Viognier
The Viognier is a grape variety that can produce very great wines and whose preferred region is the Rhone Valley ( AOC Condrieu , Château Grillet, IGP Rhone Hills etc.). Having a weak one acidity , this one is very popular for its aromatic, gourmet and generous sound .
Its usual markers are the peach, apricot, pear, mirabelle plum, some floral aromas as well as honey . It is a grape variety often vinified in oak barrels, giving it notes of vanilla, butter and other sweet spices.It’s hard to resist!
Beyond the Rhone Valley, Viognier is also found in Provence and in the Languedoc-Roussillon .
Beautiful agreements with asparagus , lobster , crayfish , salmon And river fish (Pike, Perch etc.) are welcome here. spicy and exotic cuisines also work wonders with this delicious grape variety!
THE Semillon
Originally from Bordeaux , Semillon is a white grape variety allowing the production delicious dry white wines , like those carried out on appellations such as Between two seas Or Pessac-Leognan . However, its fame comes mainly from the sweet white wines that it allows to produce, as is the case on Sauternes .
Sémillon offers a round and delicious aroma , perfectly counterbalancing the liveliness of the Sauvignon with which it is regularly assembled. In its youth, it evolves on notes of citrus fruits, apricot, white flowers or even honey. A certain smoothness and wealth emerges from the wines from Semillon.
Thanks to its sensitivity to the noble rot , this can be harvested late and allows the production of beautiful sweet wines with buttery texture and aromas of roasted peach, honey, mango and pineapple etc. Absolute delights that pair magically with foie gras as well as with dessert.
There you have it, you now know the characteristics of the main white grape varieties found in France and around the world. Now, All you have to do now is move from theory to practice. , which, let's admit it, is still more captivating!
Cheers and see you soon at The Illuminated Cellar !
