First of all, what is a grape variety ? Well, it is simply a type of vine that produces a specific grape!
As you might expect, the grape variety is a decisive element for the identity of a wine because it gives the wine unique characteristics such as its aromas, acidity, or even its tannins.
Each grape variety has a unique structure, making it possible to create wines with a great aromatic diversity that cater to all tastes.
However, it is important to understand that a grape variety will express different attributes depending on the location where it grows. Indeed, factors such as soil, climate, yield practices, and winemaking style will all 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, mentioning great classics like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc and also other less renowned but equally interesting varieties like Vermentino or Viognier.
Happy exploring!
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most famous white grape varieties in the world. Originally from Burgundy where it is still widely planted, it is also cultivated in many other regions of France such as the Loire or Languedoc-Roussillon. It offers a wide variety of styles, ranging from dry and mineral wines to rich and buttery cuvées when aged in barrels. It will often present aromas of citrus, white-fleshed fruits and will have balanced acidity as well as a velvety texture.
Appellations such as Chablis, Meursault or even Puligny-Montrachet are entirely dedicated to it, for example.
The Sauvignon Blanc
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 cultivated in other regions such as Bordeaux or the Southwest, Sauvignon has also solidly developed internationally in countries like South Africa, Chile, or the United States.
The latter is distinguished by a beautiful liveliness on the palate and expresses aromas of boxwood, citrus, peach, or even exotic fruits. Offering a beautiful freshness in 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.This indeed allows for the production of a wide range of wines, from dry white to sweet wine, including sparkling wines.
Capable of expressing a wide range of flavors, it reveals aromas of quince, citrus, peach, and apricot when vinified dry or sparkling.
The sweet wines based on Chenin evolve with delicious notes of candied fruits and honey. It should be noted that Chenin is the sole grape variety of appellations such as Vouvray, Savennières , or Montlouis-sur-Loire.
The Riesling
The Riesling is a white grape variety of German origin. In France, it is primarily cultivated in Alsace.
Endowed with a beautiful freshness, it is also distinguished by a great minerality as well as fruity aromas (citrus, peach, apricot), floral and sometimes petroleum-like (hydrocarbons).
It is a very noble variety mainly vinified as a single varietal but can also be part of the composition of certain Crémants d'Alsace.
On the finest terroirs (notably the 51 Alsace Grands Crus), Riesling is capable of offering a high level of complexity and can have a 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 evolves on notes of exotic fruits like lychee, mango, pineapple and also offers floral aromas (notably rose) or even spicy touches.
It can be vinified into 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 is distinguished by its generous body as well as its great aromatic finesse. It exudes notes of ripe white fruits as well as floral aromas.When originating from quality terroirs, the latter shows great aging potential. Depending on the profiles, these grape varieties can be paired with salads, fish, but also white meats.
The Vermentino (or Rolle)
The Vermentino grape variety, also known as Rolle, is a variety widely established in Corsica and in Provence.
Known 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, and citrus fruits. A nice acidity helps to balance its often generous body. Wines made from Rolle are perfect for pairing with seafood, grilled fish, or summer salads. Note that this grape variety can also be aged in barrels, taking on a gourmet and generous character that pairs better with white meats or fish in sauce. The AOC Patrimonio and Côtes-de-Provence notably offer very beautiful expressions of this variety.
The Muscat
The Muscat is known and appreciated for its incredible aromatic expressiveness . It is indeed capable of creating wines with enchanting aromasof fresh grapes, white flowers, citrus, white fruits, and honey.
Its main characteristic lies in its richness in aromas, allowing the production of dry white wines ,sweet wines,Vins Doux Naturelsand even sparkling wines .
In France, Muscat is found in Alsace, in the Rhône Valley , 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 Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise!
When vinified dry, Muscat pairs very well with asparagus, summer salads, or with spicy and exotic cuisines. When it becomes sweet, it is then reserved for dessert (Tarte Tatin, Mango Charlotte, etc.).)
Note that Muscat also comes in orange wine as exemplified by Domaine des Schistesin 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.). Withlow acidity, it is highly appreciated forits rich and generous aroma.
Its usual markers arepeach, apricot, pear, mirabelle, 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. Hard to resist then!
Beyond the Rhône Valley, Viognier is also found in Provence and inLanguedoc-Roussillon.
Magnificent pairings withasparagus, lobster, crayfish , salmonand river fish (Pike, Perch, etc.) are welcome here.The spicy and exotic cuisines also work wonders with this delicious grape variety!
The Sémillon
Originally from Bordeaux ,the Sémillonis a white grape variety that allows the production of deliciousdry white wines, like those made in appellations such as Entre-deux-mers orPessac-Léognan. Nevertheless, its fame mainly comes from thesweet white wines it allows to produce, as is the case in Sauternes .
The Sémillon offers a round and indulgent aromatic profile , wonderfully balancing the liveliness of the Sauvignonwith which it is regularly blended. In its youth, it evolves with notes of citrus, apricot, white flowers, or even honey. A certain creaminess and richnessemanates from wines made from Sémillon.
Thanks to its sensitivity to noble rot, it can be harvested late and allows for the production ofmagnificent sweet wineswith a buttery texture and aromas of roasted peach, honey, mango, and pineapple, etc. Absolute delights that pair magically with foie gras as well as during dessert.
Now, you are familiar with the characteristics of the main white grape varieties present in France and around the world.From now on, all that's left is to move from theory to practice , which, let's admit, is much more engaging!
Cheers and see you soon at
