Collection: Buy white wines

White wines for all tastes and budgets

One of the main advantages of white wine is its wide variety of styles and aromas.Thus, the latter will reveal very different taste characteristics depending on its place of production, its winemaking method, or even according to the grape variety from which it will be made. Here is a quick summary of the main varieties from which it can be produced alone or in a blend.

Chardonnay is undoubtedly the most famous and widely used white grape in the world. It is often associated with wines with a rich and buttery profile like those from AOC Meursault or Chassagne-Montrachet, although it can also be used to produce fresher and mineral wines as is the case in Chablis. Its typical aromas include green apple, citrus, peach, and apricot.In France, it is king in Burgundy but it is also found in many other regions such as Jura (domaine Jérôme Arnoux), Loire (domaine Plou & Fils) or even Languedoc-Roussillon (Maison Antech). Other properties like Au Pied du Mont Chauve, Alain Chavy, François Raquillet or even the domains Cheveau, Jaeger-Defaix and Michelot will allow you to discover it in the best possible way.

Sauvignon Blanc is a very popular grape variety and the wines it produces are generally appreciated for their refreshing acidity as well as their notes of citrus, peach, apricot, and sometimes boxwood and exotic fruits.Appellations such as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé in the Loire Valley are its strongholds. Nevertheless, the latter is also present in other regions such as Bordeaux where it is regularly blended with Sémillon and Muscadelle within the AOC Entre-deux-Mers, Pessac-Léognan or even Sauternes to create sweet wines. The estates Bernard Fleuriet & Fils, Michel Redde & Fils as well as Saransot-Dupré and Smith Haut Lafitte will allow you to discover its multiple facets.

Chenin Blanc is a brilliant variety originating from the Loire, allowing the production of dry, semi-dry, sweet, and even sparkling white wines! Demonstrating remarkable versatility, this type of grape can offer a wide range of aromas. Nevertheless, its recurring markers are green apple, quince, peach, and apricot. It notably highlights appellations such as Vouvray, Saumur, Savennières or even Coteaux-du-Layon. Discover it through the estate of François and Julien Pinon !

Riesling is a white grape originating from Germany. In France, it is very present in Alsace where it produces superb mineral white wines with a beautiful acidity.Its usual markers are green apple, citrus, peach, apricot, and petroleum aromas. It pairs divinely well with seafood and shellfish. The estates Barmès-Buecher, Mittnacht Frères and Boehler are proud standard-bearers.

Gewurztraminer is a white variety also originating from Alsace and is particularly appreciated for its spectacular aromatic richness offering aromas of lychee, mango, peach, apricot, rose, white flowers, and spices. It can be vinified as dry, semi-dry, or as a sweet wine. The latter pairs wonderfully with foie gras or desserts.

Marsanne and Roussanne are two varieties originating from the Rhône Valley. These are also very regularly associated in the region due to their great complementarity. Thus, Marsanne will bring body and richness while Roussanne will provide more acidity and finesse to the wines. The whites of the appellations Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage are, for example, exclusively made with these two varieties. On the contrary, in the southern part of the Rhône Valley, these will often be used in addition to other grape varieties such as Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Bourboulenc. Roussanne is also well established in Savoie where it is then called Bergeron. Domains such as Anne-Sophie et Jean-François Quénard, Boisseyt, or even the Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape perfectly represent the aromatic diversity and complementarity of these two grape varieties.

Viognier is a particularly interesting variety. Capable of producing rich, generous, aromatic, and complex white wines, its aromas of peach, apricot, pear, and white flowers make it an excellent choice to accompany rich dishes such as fish in sauce or poultry. Standard of the appellation Condrieu where it is very often aged in oak barrels, it should not be forgotten that it is also present in the AOC Côte Rôtie where it can be blended with Syrah up to 20% (in practice, it rarely exceeds 10%). It is also present in Provence or in Languedoc-Roussillon. This one pairs very well with fish, characterful shellfish, or even certain cheeses. Discover all its magic thanks to the domains of Boisseyt or Pierre Gaillard.

White Grenache is a grape originating from Spain. Very present in the south of the Rhône Valley, it is also well established in Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon. Rarely used as a single varietal, Grenache Blanc is often blended with varieties like Clairette, Vermentino, or Roussanne. Wines from this variety generally have a lovely richness and evoke aromas of white fruits and white flowers with moderate acidity. It pairs particularly well with poultry or shellfish such as lobster and scallops. You will notably find this beautiful grape variety at Pierre Usseglio in Châteauneuf-du-Pape or in the famous white of Château Simone on the AOC Palette.

Clairette is a white grape originating from the Rhône Valley where it is still very present today. This is also grown in Languedoc-Roussillon as well as in Provence. Clairette is often used in blends with other grape varieties but can also be vinified on its own. Wines made from this grape variety exhibit floral and fruity aromas, with moderate acidity. You will find it in the whites of Bandol, notably those from Domaine Tempier or at Châteauneuf-du-Pape at Pierre Usseglio and Château de Beaucastel.

Muscat is a white grape originating from the Mediterranean basin that can be vinified as sparkling (AOC Clairette de Die) but also as dry or sweet wine (AOC Muscat de Rivesaltes, Muscat du Cap Corse or Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise). Wines made from this grape are generally easily recognized by their very expressive and typical fruity aroma: peach, pear, citrus, fresh grape, mango, passion fruit... the range is wide ! Muscat is also used to produce orange wine as is the case at Domaine des Schistes with the delicious cuvée V.O Vin orange. In VDN (Vin Doux Naturel), it pairs wonderfully with many desserts. Dry, it pairs ideally with spicy and exotic cuisines as well as sweet and savory dishes.

Le Savagnin is a white grape variety originating from the Jura but is also cultivated in Switzerland and in Italy. Recognized as the one and only grape of the famous Vin Jaune (domaine Jérôme Arnoux), it then exudes fabulous aromas of dried fruits (walnut, hazelnut), curry, and butter. Vinified as such, it will pair divinely well with aged Comté cheese or chicken with morels. However, it can also be vinified in a more conventional manner. It will then express notes of citrus, peach, and green apple and will pair very well with fish and seafood.

Vermentino (or Rolle) is a white grape variety probably originating from Italy, although its origins are uncertain. Today, it is widely cultivated in Corsica, Provence, and in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. A very noble variety, its aroma evokes white flowers, fruity notes, and is often imbued with a beautiful minerality.The whites from Côtes-de-Provence like those from Château Sainte-Marguerite or domaine Figuière are a magnificent expression. It is also found in the AOC Patrimonio within the estates of Giudicelli and Yves Leccia. It pairs particularly well with salads, fish, and shellfish. When aged in oak barrels, it will develop a rich texture and evolve with woody and spicy aromas (vanilla).

In conclusion, you will have understood that given the great diversity of styles, appellations, and grape varieties, there will always be a white wine to your taste ! So, whether you like white wines with a rich and buttery profile like some Chardonnays, the generous fruity aroma of Viognier, or the acidity and minerality of an Albariño, do not hesitate to seek advice from La Cave Éclairée !

How is white wine made?

White wine is produced through the direct pressing of white or red grape varieties. Indeed, after separating the berries from their stems (destemming), the berries are directly pressed (pressing) taking care not to let the juice come into contact with the skins in order to keep the color of the juice intact. Then, once the operation is complete, the whole is placed in tanks, oak barrels, or amphorae to begin fermentation... This is the moment when grape juice truly becomes wine!

As you will have understood, the juice of almost all grape varieties (white as well as red) being naturally colorless, it is possible to make white wines from red grape varieties. This is particularly the case in Champagne where Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are used, for example, to produce sparkling white wines.