Best Western European White Grapes Types
Gewurztraminer is a pink-skinned grape that produces some of the most aromatic and complex white wines in the world. The exact origin of Gewurztraminer is hard to trace, but the grape is related to Traminer family that is cultivated across Europe, and although Gewurztraminer has shown success in Germany, Austria, Australia, Washington and California, the French Alsace region remains its foreground.
Alsace produces varietals that are rich and typically deeply colored, often low in acidity and high in alcohol with exotic aromas of lychee and rose petals. Their character and the body heavily depends on the terroir and ripeness of the grapes, and they may range from dry to off-dry and sweet styles.
THE BEST Gewurztraminer d'Alsace Wine Varieties

Weingut Hans Wirsching
Iphöfer Kalb Gewürztraminer Trockenbeerenauslese
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold 2022

Weingut Ökonomierat Petgen-Dahm
Petgen-Dahm Gewürztraminer-Sekt b.A. "Les deux dames" klassische Flaschengärung
Asia Wine Trophy - Grand Gold 2017
Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio and Grauburgunder, is a white grape variety whose origins are believed to be in Burgundy, but the grape has shown amazing potential in Alsace—the region with which it is mostly associated nowadays.
In Alsace, Pinot Gris is considered a noble grape. In the past, it was mistakenly related with Hungarian Tokaj, and it was often called Tokaj d'Alsace. The wines made from Pinot Gris considerably differ in character than those found in other wine-growing regions.
Viognier is a grape variety with unclear origins that found its home in the northern Rhône, where it has been cultivated for centuries. It is best known as the single varietal used in the Condrieu appellation, though it is also used as a blending variety in Côte-Rôtie.
The grape makes heavily perfumed, mostly full-bodied wines whose character may range from light to rich and creamy. Typical flavors found in most Viognier wines include peach and apricots, while the aromas may range from lighter expressions of stone fruit, honeysuckle, and spring blossom to heartier notes of vanilla and spices.
Falanghina is an old Italian white grape variety that is mostly associated and cultivated in Campania. For a very long time, it was not known that the name was used for two distinct sub-varieties: Falanghina Beneventana and the better known Falanghina Flegrea.
Both grapes are used in several regional appellations, and the distinction has not yet been officially recognized. The grapes share similar characteristics and mostly produce straw-colored wines that have fruity and floral notes. They often have a mineral character and sometimes hints of tropical fruit.
Chenin Blanc is a grape variety grown in the Loire valley of France, from where it spread to South Africa and became popular as Steen. Due to its versatility, it comes in a few varieties, such as bubbly, dry, or sweet. The dry version of Chenin Blanc from the Loire has a good aging potential with its assertive acids and typical honey, apple, pear, and quince aromas while the great Loire Chenins are the sweet wines of Vouvray, Bonnezeaux, Coteaux du Layon, and Quarts de Chaume.
Depending on the style and character, Chenin Blanc wines can match a variety of dishes, while dry styles may accompany poultry, pork, fish, terrines or pâtes, sweeter versions would be a good match to desserts, Asian cuisine, cheese, and creamy sauces.
Friulano is an Italian name for Sauvignonasse variety that originated in southwest France, where it was never widely cultivated. The grape is rarely seen outside Italy and is considered as one of the signature grapes in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Small amounts are found in Chile (Sauvignon Vert) and Slovenia (Zeleni Sauvignon). Friulano wines can be quite versatile and range from light-bodied to more complex examples. The wines usually have apple, pear, peach, and almond aromas. Young versions will typically have a mineral-like character.
Chardonnay is a popular and widely cultivated white grape variety that is used to produce white wine. Originating from the Burgundy region of France, Chardonnay is now grown in wine regions around the world, including the United States, Australia, Italy, and South Africa.
It is known for its versatility in wine production, as it can be used to make a range of wine styles from crisp and unoaked to rich and oaked varieties. Chardonnay grapes are relatively neutral in flavor, allowing the characteristics of the wine to be heavily influenced by the terroir (the environment where the grapes are grown) and the winemaking techniques used.
THE BEST Chardonnay Wine Varieties

Château de Meursault
Meursault du Château
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold 2024, 2022, 2021


Sauvignon Blanc is a widely cultivated white grape variety known for producing crisp, aromatic, and refreshing wines. Originating from the Bordeaux region of France, Sauvignon Blanc is now grown in many wine regions worldwide, including New Zealand, California, Chile, South Africa, and Australia.
Sauvignon Blanc wines are typically light to medium-bodied and are renowned for their high acidity and vibrant flavor profile. The grape's aromatic qualities often lead to distinctive aromas of green apple, lime, gooseberry, and passion fruit, with herbal notes such as freshly cut grass, green bell pepper, and nettles.
VARIATIONS OF Sauvignon Blanc
THE BEST Sauvignon Blanc Wine Varieties

Peller Estates Winery
2020 Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold 2023



Spy Valley
Envoy Sauvignon Blanc
International Wine Challenge - International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy 2015
Mostly cultivated in Campania, Fiano is an old Italian variety that has seen a significant revival since the 1980s. This low-yielding, early-ripening grape is praised for its ability to produce crisp and aromatic wines with a lot of character and herbaceous and fruity notes.
These wines are typically medium-bodied and intensely flavored. Young Fiano wines often display aromatic honey notes, and as they age, they tend to develop smoky and spicy notes dominated by hazelnut. The aromas are perfectly balanced with bright acidity.
VARIATIONS OF Fiano
Sémillon is a dry white wine made from Sémillon grapes. Although native to Bordeaux, the grapes are widely grown in Australia in the Hunter Valley, and to a lesser extent in South Africa, Chile, California, Canada, and New Zealand.
After Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, Sémillon is the 3rd most planted white wine variety in France. The wine is characterized by its fruity flavors of apple, lemon, green papaya, and pear. The flavor is also waxy, which is often described as lanolin.
THE BEST Semillon Wine Varieties

De Bortoli Wines
Morrisons The Best Botrytis Semillon
International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion Sweet 2021 2021

De Bortoli Wines
Marks & Spencer Hermits Hill Botryitis Semillon
International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion Sweet 2017 2017



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