Collection: Buy mineral white wines

Minerality in white wines

Often confused with acidity, the notion of minerality is regularly used to describe the aromatic profile of certain wines, particularly whites. Thus, a mineral wine is a wine where aromas of chalk, flint, oyster shell, or even gunstone can be felt. The presence of mineral notes in a wine is linked to several factors. The most important of these is the soil on which the vine grows. Thus, plots with limestone terroirs regularly bring out this type of aroma because the vine roots directly take their nutrients there. Moreover, certain grape varieties are also more likely to express mineral notes than others.

For example, we think of Riesling, Melon de Bourgogne (Muscadet), or even Sauvignon. Finally, the perception of this minerality is also correlated with the notion of balance in the wine, between the strength of the aromas, acidity, alcohol, or even tannins for reds.A taster will indeed find it more difficult to perceive minerality in a powerfully aromatic and tannic red wine, while it will most likely be easier in a white wine with a fresh profile. 

Mineral white wines

Although some rosé wines or red wines express mineral aromas, it is within white wines that this notion stands out the most, enhancing the sensations of freshness, liveliness, and purity during tasting.

 While all regions of France offer mineral white wines, some are more renowned than others.Thus, the Loire Valley is, for example, renowned in this regard, notably with certain appellations like Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé where the grape variety Sauvignon beautifully expresses this mineral notion.

In Alsace, the Riesling is also very well known for producing magnificent mineral white wines offering liveliness, tension, and elegance.

The Chardonnay, when vinified in cool climates such as in Burgundy on AOCs like Chablis or Puligny-Montrachet, also brings out flint-like aromas.

The magnificent Mediterranean grape variety Vermentino, very present in Corsica and in  Provence  under the name Rolle, also often expresses a beautiful minerality in tasting.

Finally, the very chalky terroirs of  Champagne also bring out this type of aromas in the wines of the region.

As you will have understood, a wide choice is available to you within this category of mineral white wines! Do not hesitate to call on La Cave Éclairée to guide you in your choices!