18 Different Types of White Wine

White wine, with its diverse range of flavors and styles, is a staple of the wine industry.  Understanding the different types of white wine opens doors to extraordinary culinary experiences and deeper wine appreciation. Unlike their red counterparts, white wines are typically produced without grape skin contact, resulting in their characteristic pale hues and refreshing profiles. From crisp and mineral-driven to rich and complex, these wines showcase the incredible versatility of white grape varieties.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore 18 distinctive white wine types that every wine enthusiast should know.

Types of White Wine

Wine Type	Origin	Sweetness Level	Notable Flavors	Food Pairings
Chardonnay	Burgundy, France	Dry	Apple, vanilla, butter	Poultry, cream sauces
Sauvignon Blanc	Loire Valley, France	Dry	Grass, citrus, herbs	Seafood, goat cheese
Pinot Grigio	Italy	Dry	Lemon, almond, pear	Light pasta, salads
Riesling	Germany	Off-dry to sweet	Peach, lime, petrol	Spicy cuisine, pork
Gewürztraminer	Alsace, France	Off-dry	Lychee, rose, spice	Asian cuisine
Moscato	Italy	Sweet	Orange blossom, honey	Desserts, fruit
Viognier	Rhône Valley, France	Dry	Apricot, jasmine	Rich seafood, curry
Albariño	Spain	Dry	Citrus, salt, stone fruit	Shellfish, ceviche
Chenin Blanc	Loire Valley, France	Dry to sweet	Apple, honey, hay	Poultry, soft cheese
Grüner Veltliner	Austria	Dry	White pepper, citrus	Vegetables, light meats
Sémillon	Bordeaux, France	Dry to sweet	Fig, lemon, beeswax	Seafood, roasted vegetables
Muscadet	Loire Valley, France	Dry	Mineral, citrus, salt	Oysters, light seafood
Verdicchio	Italy	Dry	Almond, citrus, mineral	Seafood, light pasta
Roussanne	Rhône Valley, France	Dry	Herbal tea, pear	Rich fish, cream sauces
Sauternes	Bordeaux, France	Sweet	Honey, apricot, vanilla	Blue cheese, foie gras
Tokaji	Hungary	Sweet	Honey, apricot, orange	Desserts, blue cheese
Ice Wine	Germany/Canada	Sweet	Tropical fruit, honey	Fruit desserts
Late Harvest Riesling	Germany	Sweet	Honey, stone fruit	Light desserts

Light-Bodied White Wines

1. Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio, known as Pinot Gris in France, originated in Burgundy but found its spiritual home in northeastern Italy. This mutation of Pinot Noir has become one of the world's most popular white wines, praised for its refreshing simplicity and versatility.

Flavor Profile

Pinot Grigio is light and crisp with flavors of lemon, almond, and pear. Its refreshing acidity makes it a versatile choice for various occasions.

Notable Regions

• Alto Adige, Italy
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
• Alsace, France (as Pinot Gris)
• Oregon, USA

Food Pairings:

• Light pasta dishes
• Fresh salads
• Seafood
• Citrus-based dishes
• Grilled vegetables

Serving Recommendations:
Serve chilled at around 45-50°F (7-10°C) in a standard white wine glass to preserve its delicate aromas and flavors.

2. Muscadet

Muscadet comes from the Loire Valley of France, made exclusively from grapes of Melon de Bourgogne. Originally planted by Dutch traders in the 17th century, it has become synonymous with the region's maritime wine culture.

Flavor Profile:
Crisp and dry with high acidity, Muscadet offers flavors of citrus, green apple, and a distinct mineral finish.

Notable Regions:

• Loire Valley: Especially Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, known for its quality and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

Food Pairings:

• Seafood, especially oysters and shellfish
• Light appetizers
• Fresh salads

Serving Recommendations:
Serve well-chilled at around 45-50°F (7-10°C) in a slender white wine glass to maintain its refreshing qualities.

Also Read: 12 Different Types of Red Wine

3. Verdicchio

Verdicchio is an ancient variety native to Italy's Marche region. Its name derives from "verde" (green), referring to the slight green tinge in the wines. The grape has been cultivated since the 14th century.

Flavor Profile:
Crisp and slightly bitter with flavors of green apple, lemon, and almond. It often has a subtle minerality.

Notable Regions:

• Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi
• Verdicchio di Matelica

Food Pairings:

• Seafood
• Light pasta
• Fresh salads

Serving Recommendations:
Serve chilled at around 50-55°F (10-13°C) in a white wine glass which enhances its aromatic profile and freshness.

4. Albariño

Albariño is the flagship white grape of Spain's Rías Baixas region in Galicia. With possible Rhenish origins, it has been cultivated in Spain since the 12th century and is known for its distinctive coastal character.

Flavor Profile:
Fresh and zesty with bright citrus and stone fruit flavors, complemented by a saline minerality that adds complexity.

Notable Regions:

• Rías Baixas, Spain
• Vinho Verde, Portugal

Food Pairings:

• Shellfish
• Tapas
• Light seafood dishes

Serving Recommendations:
To enjoy the intensity of the aromas, serve chilled to approximately 7-10°C (45-50°F) in a tulip-shaped white wine glass.

Medium-Bodied White Wines

5. Sauvignon Blanc

Originating from France's Loire Valley, Sauvignon Blanc has become a global success story. The name comes from "sauvage" (wild) and "blanc" (white), referring to its early growth as a wild vine. New Zealand's Marlborough region revolutionized its style in the 1980s.

Flavor Profile:
Characterized by its crisp acidity and zesty flavors of grass, citrus, and herbs. It often exhibits notes of green apple and tropical fruits.

Notable Regions:

• Loire Valley, France
• Marlborough, New Zealand
• California, USA

Food Pairings:

• Seafood
• Goat cheese
• Salads
• Dishes featuring herbs
• Rich and creamy sauces

Serving Recommendations:
Serve chilled at around 45-50°F (7-10°C) in a standard white wine glass to enhance its aromatic profile and crispness.

6. Grüner Veltliner

Austria's signature grape variety, Grüner Veltliner emerged in the late 18th century. It represents nearly one-third of all Austrian vineyard plantings and has gained international recognition for its distinctive pepper notes.

Flavor Profile:
Crisp and peppery with flavors of green apple, lime, and sometimes a hint of white pepper. It often has a mineral undertone.

Notable Regions:

• Wachau
• Kamptal
• Kremstal

Food Pairings:

• Vegetable dishes
• Light meats
• Fresh salads
• Asian cuisine
• Spicy foods

Serving Recommendations:
Serve well-chilled at around 45-50°F (7-10°C) in a white wine glass to accentuate its crisp and spicy characteristics.

7. Viognier

Nearly extinct in the 1960s with only 14 acres remaining in France's Rhône Valley, Viognier has made a remarkable comeback. This ancient grape produces some of the most luxuriously aromatic white wines in the world.

Flavor Profile:
Full-bodied with floral aromas and flavors of peach, honey, and tropical fruits. It often has a creamy texture.

Notable Regions:

• Condrieu and Côte Rôtie, Rhône Valley
• Sonoma County and Napa Valley, California
• Barossa Valley, Australia

Food Pairings:

• Roasted poultry
• Creamy dishes
• Richly flavored foods
• Spicy and exotic cuisines

Serving Recommendations:
Serve slightly chilled at around 50-55°F (10-13°C) in a large white wine glass to allow its complex aromas to develop.

8. Chenin Blanc

Dating back to the 9th century in France's Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc is known for its chameleon-like versatility, producing wines from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. It's also a key variety in South African wine history.

Flavor Profile:
Versatile, ranging from dry to sweet with flavors of apple, honey, and sometimes floral notes. It often has vibrant acidity.

Notable Regions:

• Vouvray, Anjou, and Savennières, Loire Valley
• Stellenbosch, South Africa

Food Pairings:

• Salads
• Rich stews
• Diverse dishes
• Pork and poultry

Serving Recommendations:
Serve chilled at around 50-55°F (10-13°C) in a standard white wine glass to showcase its versatile flavor profile.

9. Riesling

First documented in Germany's Rhine region in 1435, Riesling is considered one of the world's greatest white grape varieties. Known for its transparent expression of terroir and aging potential.

Flavor Profile:
Ranges from sweet to dry with high acidity, featuring floral aromas and flavors of peach, apricot, and apple. Often has a mineral undertone.

Notable Regions:

• Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz, Germany
• Alsace, France
• Clare Valley, Australia

Food Pairings:

• Spicy dishes
• Asian cuisine
• Desserts
• Pork and poultry

Serving Recommendations:
Chill in a tulip-shaped white wine glass to approximately 45-50°F (7-10°C) to enhance aromatic complexity and lively acidity.

10. Gewürztraminer

Originally from the Alto Adige region of Italy, Gewürztraminer found its true expression in France's Alsace region. The name comes from "gewürz" (spiced) and the village of Tramin. This aromatic variety is known for its distinctive lychee and rose petal characteristics.

Flavor Profile:
Highly aromatic with spicy notes, lychee, rose petals, and sometimes a hint of ginger. It can range from dry to sweet.

Notable Regions:

• Alsace, France
• Pfalz and Baden, Germany
• California and Oregon, USA

Food Pairings:

• Strong cheeses
• Spicy cuisines
• Rich poultry dishes

Serving Recommendations:
Serve slightly chilled at around 50-55°F (10-13°C) in a white wine glass to fully appreciate its aromatic intensity and spicy notes.

Full-Bodied White Wines

11. Chardonnay

The world's most popular white wine grape originated in Burgundy, France. Known as the "winemaker's grape" for its malleable nature, Chardonnay can produce wines ranging from steely and mineral-driven to rich and buttery.

Flavor Profile:
Rich and buttery with notes of apple, vanilla, butter, and tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. Aging in oak barrels adds layers of vanilla and toast.

Notable Regions:

• Burgundy, France
• California (Napa and Sonoma)
• Australia
• Chile

Food Pairings:

• Grilled chicken
• Creamy pasta dishes
• Dishes with buttery sauces
• Lobster and other luxurious seafood

Serving Recommendations:
To maintain its sweetness and brightness, serve chilled to approximately 40-45°F (4-7°C) in a small white wine glass or flute.

12. Sémillon

A golden-skinned grape that originated in Bordeaux, Sémillon is known for both dry wines and some of the world's most prestigious sweet wines. It's particularly susceptible to noble rot, crucial for Sauternes production.

Flavor Profile:
It has a honey and nutty flavor with hints of citrus and lemon and often has a waxy texture. It can age well, developing complex flavors over time.

Notable Regions:

• Bordeaux and Sauternes, France
• Hunter Valley, Australia
• Napa Valley, USA

Food Pairings:

• Seafood
• Poultry
• Creamy sauces
• Soft cheeses

Serving Recommendations:
Serve chilled at around 50-55°F (10-13°C) in a standard white wine glass to highlight its honeyed notes and nuanced flavors.

13. Roussanne

Named for its reddish-brown ("roux") colored berries when ripe, Roussanne is native to the Rhône Valley. It's often blended with Marsanne but can produce exceptional single-varietal wines.

Flavor Profile:
Floral and herbal with flavors of pear, honey, and herbal notes. It has a medium to full body with a silky texture and balanced acidity.

Notable Regions:

• Northern Rhône (Hermitage and Condrieu)
• Parts of Australia

Food Pairings:

• Rich pasta dishes
• Roasted vegetables
• Flavorful poultry
• Mediterranean and Provençal cuisine

Serving Recommendations:
Serve slightly chilled at around 55-60°F (13-16°C) in a white wine glass to enhance its aromatic complexity and silky texture.

Sweet White Wines

14. Moscato

One of the oldest known wine grape varieties, Moscato (Muscat) has over 200 varieties in its family. The most famous is Moscato Bianco, used in Moscato d'Asti from Italy's Piedmont region.

Flavor Profile:
Sweet and fruity with prominent flavors of peach, apricot, and orange blossom. It often has a light effervescence and floral aroma.

Notable Regions:

• Piedmont, Italy (Asti and Moscato d'Asti)
• California, USA
• Australia

Food Pairings:

• Desserts
• Fruit salads
• Spicy dishes (balances heat)
• Aperitif

Serving Recommendations:
To maintain its sweetness and fizz, serve it in a small white wine glass or flute, well chilled at about 40–45°F (4–7°C).

15. Sauternes

From Bordeaux's Graves section, Sauternes is one of the world's most prestigious sweet wines. The wine is mainly produced from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes that have been enriched by noble rot, a beneficial fungus that enhances their sugars and flavors.

Flavor Profile:
Honey, apricot, citrus, and floral notes with a luscious sweetness balanced by high acidity. Botrytis cinerea (noble rot) adds depth and concentration.

Notable Regions:

• Sauternes, Barsac, and Loupiac, Bordeaux

Food Pairings:

• Foie gras
• Blue cheese
• Desserts such as crème brûlée or fruit tarts
• Rich, savory dishes

Serving Recommendations:
Serve chilled but slightly warmer than dry whites, around 50-55°F (10-13°C), in a dessert wine glass to enhance its aromatic complexity and rich flavors.

16. Tokaji

Hungary's royal wine, Tokaji (pronounced "toe-kai") has been produced since the 16th century. It's made from noble rot-affected grapes, primarily Furmint and Hárslevelű, and was Europe's first classified wine region.

Flavor Profile:
Citrus flavors with lively acidity and well-balanced sweetness, including orange marmalade, apricot, and honey. Often influenced by noble rot.

Notable Regions:

• Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary

Food Pairings:

• Desserts
• Strong cheeses
• Pâtés
• Spiced dishes
• Rich, savory foods

Serving Recommendations:
Serve well-chilled at around 50-55°F (10-13°C) in a tulip-shaped dessert wine glass to showcase its complex aromas and rich flavors.

17. Ice Wine

Originally discovered by accident in Germany, Ice Wine is made from grapes naturally frozen on the vine. The water freezes but the sugars and other dissolved solids don't, resulting in a concentrated sweet wine.

Flavor Profile:
Concentrated fruit flavors like peach, apricot, and tropical fruits with intense sweetness balanced by high acidity.

Notable Regions:

• Germany's Rheingau
• Niagara Peninsula, Canada

Food Pairings:

• Desserts
• Rich cheeses
• Fruit-based dishes
• Decadent standalone desserts

Serving Recommendations:
Serve chilled at around 45-50°F (7-10°C) in a small dessert wine glass to appreciate its concentrated flavors and aromatic intensity.

18. Late Harvest Riesling

Made from grapes left on the vine well past normal harvest time, Late Harvest Riesling allows the grapes to develop concentrated sugars and flavors. This style originated in Germany but is now produced worldwide.

Flavor Profile:
Honey, apricot, peach, and floral notes with a rich sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity. Often exhibits a lush, syrupy texture.

Notable Regions:

• Germany
• Austria
• Finger Lakes, New York

Food Pairings:

• Desserts
• Spiced dishes
• Strong cheeses
• Rich, savory foods

Serving Recommendations:
Serve slightly chilled at around 50-55°F (10-13°C) in a dessert wine glass to highlight its rich sweetness and complex flavors.

How to Choose the Right White Wine?

Selecting the perfect types of white wine involves considering several factors to match your occasion, food, personal taste, budget, and the season.

Consider the Occasion:

Casual Gatherings: Opt for light-bodied wines like Pinot Grigio or Muscadet.

Special Celebrations or Dessert Pairings: Full-bodied or sweet wines like Chardonnay or Sauternes are ideal.

Food Pairing Principles:

Light Wines: Complement salads and seafood.

Medium Wines: Enhance poultry and creamy sauces.

Full-Bodied Wines: Elevate rich sauces and luxurious seafood.

Personal Taste Preferences:

Sweet Wines: Choose Moscato or Late Harvest Riesling.

Dry Wines: Select Sauvignon Blanc or Grüner Veltliner.

Price Points:

White wines come in a wide range of prices. Determine your budget and explore options within that range, balancing quality and affordability.

Seasonal Considerations:

Summer: Light and crisp white wines are refreshing.

Winter: Fuller-bodied and richer wines offer warmth and depth.

Storing and Serving White Wine

Proper storage and serving techniques are crucial for maintaining the quality and enhancing the flavors of white wine.

Optimal Storage Conditions:

Store white wine in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature, ideally between 45-55°F (7-13°C). Avoid fluctuations in temperature and excessive light exposure, which can degrade the wine's quality.

Serving Temperatures:

Light White Wines: Serve chilled at 45-50°F (7-10°C) to enhance their freshness.

Fuller-Bodied Whites: Serve slightly warmer at 50-55°F (10-13°C) to allow their complex flavors to emerge.

Glass Selection:

Use appropriate white wine glasses to concentrate aromas and maintain the wine’s temperature. Tulip-shaped glasses are ideal for most white wines as they help direct the aromas towards your nose.

Decanting Recommendations:

Most white wines do not require decanting. However, some full-bodied or aged whites can benefit from aeration to open up their flavors. Decant gently to avoid disturbing any sediment.

Shelf Life Guidelines:

Consume white wines within a few years of purchase for optimal freshness. Some high-quality or aged white wines, such as Sauternes or certain Chardonnays, can improve over a decade when stored properly.

 

Summary

Exploring the types of white wine reveals a world of diverse flavors and styles, each offering a unique tasting experience. From the light and crisp Pinot Grigio to the rich and buttery Chardonnay, there is a white wine to suit every palate and occasion. Understanding the characteristics, origins, and ideal pairings of these 18 popular varieties empowers you to make informed choices that enhance your wine-drinking experiences.

Whether you're a beginner or an enthusiast, this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for discovering and enjoying the vast array of white wines available. Cheers to your wine journey!