White wine is not only a popular type of wine but also a popular drink admired for its crisp freshness, aromatic complexity, and versatile food pairings.
From light and zesty white wines that are perfect for summer afternoons to rich and full-bodied wines ideal for gourmet dinners, white wine offers a spectrum of flavors for every palate.
Read on to explore the major types of white wine, their characteristics, regions, and the best food pairings that are sure to elevate your wine experience.
Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2023
Chardonnay – One of The World’s Most Popular White Wine
Chardonnay is the most widely planted white wine grape (green-skinned) and thrives in regions across the globe, from Burgundy, France, to California’s Napa Valley.
Flavor Profile: Chardonnay can range from light and citrus-driven to rich and buttery. Cooler climates (like Chablis in Burgundy, France) produce wines with apple, pear, and lemon notes, while warmer regions yield tropical fruit flavors like pineapple and mango. Oak-aged Chardonnay develops buttery, vanilla, and toasted almond nuances.
Food Pairing: Its versatility pairs beautifully with roast chicken, creamy pasta, seafood, and soft cheeses like Brie and Fontina.
Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp and Refreshing
Sauvignon Blanc is known for its zesty acidity and bright aromatics. It is a hallmark of New Zealand’s Marlborough region.
This type of white wine is also prominent in France’s Loire Valley, Bordeaux and California.
Flavor Profile: Expect flavors of lime, green apple, passion fruit, and gooseberry, often with herbaceous notes like fresh-cut grass or bell pepper.
Food Pairing: This wine’s crispness complements grilled vegetables, goat cheese, shellfish, and light salads. Its acidity makes it ideal for dishes with citrus or herbal sauces.
Riesling – Sweet or Dry Elegance
Riesling originates from Germany but is also made elsewhere. It offers remarkable diversity, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet dessert wines.
Flavor Profile: Riesling is intensely aromatic, with apricot, grapefruit, peach, and floral notes and portrays high acidity. Even sweet Rieslings feel fresh due to their natural brightness.
Food Pairing: Pairs exceptionally with spicy Asian cuisine, pork dishes, smoked salmon, and strong cheeses like blue cheese. The sweetness can temper heat in spicy dishes.
Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris – Light and Lively
The same grape variety goes by Pinot Grigio in Italy and Pinot Gris in France.
Flavor Profile: Italian Pinot Grigio is typically light-bodied with lemon, candied ginger, green apple, and almond notes, while French Pinot Gris from Alsace is richer, with spice, honey, and ripe pear flavors.
Food Pairing: Pinot Gris is ideally paired with light seafood dishes, fresh salads, grilled chicken, and light pasta dishes. Consider pairing Pinot Grigio with cheese, light pasta dishes and chicken dishes.
Moscato – Sweet and Fragrant
Moscato is one of the types of white wine that’s beloved for its low alcohol content, sweetness, and floral aroma. Originating from Italy’s Piedmont region, it is often made into sparkling wines like Moscato d’Asti.
Flavor Profile: Expect orange blossom, peach, and nectarine aromas, often with a slight fizz.
Food Pairing: A natural match for fruit-based desserts, soft cheeses, and brunch pastries. Also refreshing on its own as a summer aperitif.
Gewürztraminer – Exotic and Aromatic
Gewürztraminer is a distinctive wine with intense aromatics and a touch of spice. While it’s primarily grown in Alsace, France, and Germany, it’s also grown in other parts of the world, even beyond Europe.
Flavor Profile: Notes of lychee, rose petal, tropical fruit, and baking spices make it instantly recognizable. It often has a slightly sweet finish.
Food Pairing: Works well with spicy Indian or Thai cuisine, egg dishes, rich pâtés, and aged cheeses.
Viognier – Lush and Floral
Viognier is a lesser-known yet unique white wine variety native to France’s Rhône Valley.
Flavor Profile: Known for apricot, honeysuckle, and peach aromas, Viognier is often full-bodied and silky, with lower acidity than Sauvignon Blanc.
Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with sea bass, roasted poultry, spicy curries, and creamy cheeses.
Albariño – Spain’s Coastal Treasure
Grown primarily in Spain’s Rías Baixas region, Albariño has become a favorite for seafood lovers.
Flavor Profile: Crisp and vibrant with citrus, melon, and saline minerality that reflects its coastal origins.
Food Pairing: Ideal with oysters, grilled shrimp, sushi, ceviche, and light meats. Its refreshing acidity balances briny flavors.
Chenin Blanc – Versatile and Age-Worthy
Chenin Blanc is the pride of France’s Loire Valley, but also thrives in South Africa, where it’s known as Steen.
Flavor Profile: Can range from dry and mineral-driven to sweet and honeyed. Expect flavors of apple, quince, ginger spice, and chamomile, with great aging potential.
Food Pairing: Works well with roasted vegetables, pork belly, duck, seafood stews, and creamy cheeses.
Grüner Veltliner – Austria’s Signature White
Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s flagship white grape, loved for its peppery and citrus-driven profile. It’s also grown in other regions, including the Czech Republic.
Flavor Profile: Crisp acidity with notes of lime, green apple, and white pepper. Some versions show hints of tropical fruit.
Food Pairing: Excellent with grilled asparagus, schnitzel, seafood, and Asian stir-fries.
Semillon – Rich and Honeyed
Semillon plays a key role in Bordeaux white wines, especially dessert wines.
Flavor Profile: Young Semillon is fresh with lemon, lime, and herbal notes, while aged or botrytized Semillon develops honey, butterscotch, and apricot flavors.
Food Pairing: Dry Semillon pairs with shellfish (like lobster) and poultry, while sweet Sauternes complements foie gras, blue cheese, and fruit tarts.
Key Tips for Enjoying White Wine
-
Serve at the right temperature: Light whites are best served chilled, at around 45°F, while fuller-bodied and aromatic whites taste best slightly warmer at 45–55°F.
-
Choose glassware wisely: Use a smaller, tulip-shaped glass to concentrate aromas and preserve freshness.
-
Store properly: Keep bottles away from direct sunlight and at a consistent temperature to preserve quality.
Final Thoughts
From the crisp minerality of Albariño to the buttery depth of Chardonnay, white wine offers a world of flavors for every occasion.
Whether you’re savoring a zesty Sauvignon Blanc on a sunny afternoon or pairing a lush Viognier with a gourmet meal, understanding these varieties of white wine better will further enrich your wine experience.
Explore different types of white wine to discover new favorites and elevate your appreciation of the timeless white wine.
Shop for high-quality white wine today from the top wine store, Community Wine & Spirits.
