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The guide to white grape varieties

You are white wine lover And you want to (re)identify the grape variety or varieties of the wine you're enjoying with friends? First clue: this information is often printed on the bottle's label. Second clue: you're enjoying a glass of Burgundy—bingo, it's probably Chardonnay. Third clue: you have the Cavissima guide to white grape varieties in mind and you're able to... recognizing aromas of the grape variety present. It's certain, the last situation will have an effect and all eyes will be on you; you'll be the star of the meal!

Without further ado, discover our guide to white grape varieties by French wine regions. This non-exhaustive list is composed of some of the most widespread grape varieties.

The most widespread white grape varieties in French vineyards

To start with the basics, white wines are produced from one or more varieties of grapes more commonly known as grape varietiesThese are selected according to specific characteristics such as the color (black or white), the quality, there resistance to climates or the aromas that they will impart to the wine. Generally speaking, the winemaker thus selects a grape variety based on the wine style white that he wants to produce, of the terroir which he has at his disposal and possibly the specifications of the appellation. 

Below, discover our mapping of white grape varieties as well as a detailed list of these grape varieties classified by wine region .

Burgundy, the Champagne and Beaujolais 

  • Chardonnay

Chardonnay is one of the best-known grape varieties in France and throughout the world. It is the benchmark for wines of Burgundy, the flagship grape variety of Chablis and the most widespread on the vineyard of BeaujolaisDepending on the region, the terroir, and the winemaker, the style of this grape variety can vary greatly: it's a real sponge! It boasts a wide aromatic range: notes of white fruits (apple, peach, pear), d'citrus (lemon, grapefruit), of butter and ofalmondMineral in the north, it reveals itself as more sensual in warmer regions. Chardonnay produces white wines dryIt is also used in assembly to create champagnes, particularly associated with Pinot Noir. 

  • Aligoté 

Aligoté is the second white grape variety of Burgundy. It is mainly cultivated in Bourgogne Aligoté and to Bouzeron. It offers wines with a rather light color. dry, costs And lightweight on the palate. Long neglected in favour of chardonnay, this grape variety is experiencing a new boom thanks to its freshness and its accessibility in the youth of the wine. 

Alsace

  • Riesling 

THE Riesling is a very widespread variety in AlsaceHe is considered the noble grape variety of the region and is found in the major appellations Grand Cru from Alsace (Kitterle) Grand Cru, Schoenenbourg Grand Cru...).

Its aromas are similar to white Muscat, we find in it... citrus notes (lemon, grapefruit) and floral (Linden tree, white flowers). Depending on its soil, it can also develop mineral aromas (Gunflint, flint). In the most complex vintages, one finds notes of petrol, characteristic of this exceptional grape variety. It is also known for perfectly conveying the typicity of the terroir. Generally speaking, Riesling can be produced in an immense variety of styles and sweetness levels. This will depend primarily on the climatic conditions and the style desired by the winemaker.

He Therefore, it is not necessarily dry and perhaps more sugar, particularly when harvested in late harvest, with a selection of noble grapes or as ice wine. 

  • Gewurztraminer 

Gewurztraminer is a grape variety that originated in the border between Italy and AustriaResistant to winter frosts, it quickly spread across the Alsatian lands where the climat is optimal For this grape variety. Like Riesling, it contributes to the production of Alsatian Grand Cru wines. Alsatian Gewurztraminer will transport you with its power. exotic, its aromas of pink and litchi and its few notes of cinnamon. Gewürz Gewurztraminer, incidentally, means spices in German. It is made from late-harvested grapes, resulting in a white wine. quite sweet, powerful and intenseGewurztraminer is often vinified like a wine soft late harvest or selection of noble grapes. It also offers very aromatic dry white wines, often single varietal.

  • Pinot Gris 

Pinot Gris comes from the Burgundy It is found primarily in Alsace, the Loire Valley, and Savoy, and is mainly produced in the Alsace AOC. It is unique in that it is a red grape variety with white flesh and is thus used to produce naturally dark white wines. It is characterized by aromas of ripe fruit, of undergrowth And flowersPinot Gris produces a white wine. dry.

The Rhône

  • Viognier

Viognier is an old grape variety, very widespread in France and on thelands of the worldHe is also very present on the Australian soilThis grape variety is difficult to cultivate and offers very low yields. It can be used as a single varietal and often produces wines of a very elegantThe protected designation of origin of Condrieu is the birthplace of Viognier. It excels there and produces wines creamy And generousIt develops a beautiful aromatic richness on this terroir (apricot, pear, quince, lemon, honeysuckle, honeyOften vinified on its own in the great white Rhône wines, it can be blended with Marsanne or Roussanne in vineyards further south. Note that Viognier can also be used in red wines! This characteristic is unique to the appellation. Côte-Rôtie which allows the addition of Viognier to soften and bring elegance to the Syrah.

  • Marsanne and Roussanne 

Montélimar is the birthplace of the Marsanne grape. climat hot And sunny The region's wines are valued for their contribution to its healthy development. They are found in the most prestigious appellations of the region. Rhône Valley : Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage And Saint-JosephIn the Hermitage appellation, the famous Home Chapoutier produces straw wines, grown in 100 % marsanneIt brings power and roundness to the wine with its beautiful almond notes. However, it is generally associated with Roussanne. Roussanne It comes from the same terroir as Marsanne. Together, they offer a perfect harmony. This blend is widespread within the Saint-Péray appellation. The wines are dryfruity (yellow and white fruits) and creamy thanks to their notes honeyed.

The Jura 

  • The Savagnin

Savagnin originates from Austrian landsIt is a cousin of Gewurztraminer. Upon its arrival in France, it immediately became the king of grape varieties JuraSavagnin is easily recognizable by its color. YELLOW and by its aromatic powerIt is mainly found in AOC wines. Château-Chalon. On the nose, aromas of almonds, flowers, honey, and green apple are noted. Walnut and spice dominate when the wine is vinified under a veil of yeast. On the palate, it offers considerable power with aromas of curry and a lovely roundness. Savagnin produces white wines. dry and is used for to produce local specialties such as Vin Jaune or Vin de Paille, typical of the Jura. 

The first is an oxidative wine that undergoes 6 years and 3 months of aging in oak barrels without topping up. A veil of yeast forms on the surface, which develops the aromas of spices and nuts so characteristic of Savagnin. 

The second is a sweet wine made from raisined grapes (dried for several months to concentrate the sugars). The aromas of honey, exotic fruits and spices offer a lot of indulgence.

Savoy 

  • Chasselas

Chasselas is a white grape variety typical of the Swiss vineyard, near Lake Geneva. Very present in its neighboring region, in SavoyIt is planted in the IGP Vin des Allobroges. This grape variety is also known as “the golden Chasselas” Thanks to its golden-yellow berries speckled with russet, Chasselas is a so-called "ripe" grape variety. Indeed, it is harvested in the first weeks of September and produces wines with notes of floralwith aromas of pear and minerals (flint and gunflintThe Chasselas grape produces a wine drylightweight and structured.

Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon and Corsica 

  • Clairette 

A historic grape variety of the south, Clairette is one of the main white grape varieties of the Provence and of the Languedoc-RoussillonMore specifically, it can be used as a single varietal (Clairette du Languedoc, Clairette de Bellegarde and Coteaux de Die) and can be included in blends (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône, Bandol, Bellet, etc.). This grape variety allows the production of wines aromatics And powerful on the palate, notably thanks to its fairly high alcohol content. It is a wine dry with the aromas of yellow fruits, of fennel, of Honey and linden tree.  

  • The white Ugni

Ugni blanc originates from Italy, more specifically from the region of TuscanyThis grape variety thrives in warm soils and produces wines golden rather clear, dry And tangy. The white grape variety is generally blended with other grape varieties, it brings some freshness and of the finesse with wine. 

  • Rolle or vermentinu 

Rolle is a grape variety of Turkish origin. It thrives in Mediterranean vineyards and on dry land exposed to intense heat. In France, it is found in Languedoc-Roussillon and in Provence, particularly in the Bandol, Bellet, and Coteaux-d'Aix-en-Provence appellations. Côtes-de-Provence. It is blended with Ugni Blanc, Marsanne, Grenache, or Clairette to give them a beautiful aromatic intensity and freshness. CorsicaRolle is called Vermentinu and is used as a single varietal. This grape variety offers aromas of pear, of grapefruit, of white flowers, of fennel and above all a subtle bitterness.  

  • White Grenache

Originally from SpainGrenache Blanc is the result of a white mutation of the black grenacheHe is very present in the southern France and appreciates the gravel floors Or of pebblesIt is thus used in the composition of great dry white wines such as... Châteauneuf-du-PapeGrenache Blanc also has the particularity of offering... naturally sweet winesIndeed, its acidity level is rather low and gives a beautiful roundness In the mouth. One can distinguish notes floral, fruity And herbaceous.

The Loire, Bordeaux and the Southwest 

  • Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is cultivated worldwide. In France, we find it in the Loire Valley, in Sancerre, in Pouilly-Fumé or even in Bordeaux (Graves and Sauternes). Sauvignon Blanc, very expressive, offers different aromas such as the lemon, the bud of blackcurrant, THE exotic fruits,THE jasmine or even some mineral notes like flint. Nervous and lively, it is generally produced to give rise to wines dry with a slight acidityIn Bordeaux, it can be blended with Sémillon. It then brings a touch of freshness and the necessary balance to the blend! 

  • Chenin Blanc 

Chenin Blanc is the flagship grape variety of the Loire Valley. It is also commonly called the Pinot de la LoireSensitive to heat and cold, this capricious and difficult-to-cultivate grape variety is attracting a growing number of enthusiasts. candy and its surprising vivacity Twenty-five Loire Valley appellations use Chenin Blanc, including Vouvrey, Anjou, and Montlouis. This grape variety reveals... complex aromas of different types fruits (yellow, citrus, dry) and the floral notes and HoneyThis wide aromatic range allows it to be the star of the bottle: it's vinified as a single varietal! Chenin Blanc has the unique characteristic of offering so many white wines dry, semi-dry, soft only white wines liqueur. 

  • The Semillon

The typical grape variety of the region Bordeaux woman and of the Southwest is the Sémillon. It is renowned for its aromas of hazelnut, of acacia flower and HoneyHighly susceptible to noble rot (or botrytis), which gives rise to great sweet wines, it is the flagship grape variety of the finest sweet wines of Bordeaux. It reveals its full potential in the prestigious appellations of Sauternes and Barsac. It is not very aromatic when vinified in dry wine but it offers good aging potential. It is not used alone and is often combined with the muscadelle or at Sauvignon Blanc to whom he brings a beautiful roundness. 

  • Petit Manseng 

Petit Manseng is a typical grape variety of the PyreneesIt is found mainly in the Southwest. Its birthplace is in Jurançon, where it covers more than a third of the appellation. This grape variety offers a powerful aroma on the nose with notes of...citrus (lemon, grapefruit), of fruit exotic (pineapple, passion fruitWe also find a floral bouquet And spicyPetit Manseng produces wines dry And soft depending on its blend and vinification. You now know the main grape varieties used to produce your favorite white wines. You have all the keys to (re)cognize their primary aromas.

To find the perfect food and white wine pairing, check out our article below!

Food and wine pairings: What to eat with white wine?

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