How Each White Wine Varietal Tastes: A Breakdown of Key Flavours

White wine is one of the most popular and celebrated wine choices best known for its versatility, refreshing flavours, and food-friendly nature. From crisp and citrusy to rich and creamy, the broad spectrum of white wines offers a great opportunity to explore a variety of wine styles. Whether you're new to the world of white wines or a seasoned connoisseur, we’ll break down the key flavours of popular white wine varietals along with food pairings, serving tips, and a few expert recommendations to enhance your knowledge and wine experience.

What is White Wine?

White wine is basically made from green or yellow grapes, produced by fermenting the grapes in wooden barrels or steel tanks. Unlike red wine, the grape skins are removed at the beginning of the process, resulting in a white or light yellowish tint and vibrant flavours. This wine light to full-bodied white wine ranges from dry to sweet and is often rewarded for its gentle acidity, which gives it a unique and refershing character.

Popular White Wine Varietals and Their Flavours

Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting Notes:  This classic white wine stands out for its crispy and zesty flavours of fresh green apples, and citrus along with herbaceous and spicy undertones that offer a well-rounded and refershing finish. Some kinds also display tropical flavours of passionfruit and guava.

Food Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with cheese, fresh salads, grilled fish and light seafood.

Our Top Pick For Sauvignon Blanc

Chardonnay

Tasting Notes: This full-bodied white wine grape variety is highly regarded for its rich, oak and creamy texture, boasting flavours of apple, pear, citrus, pineapple, peach, and occasionally banana and melon. Some styles offer oaked and toasted versions that give hints of vanilla and baked spices.

Food Pairing: Chardonnay is a versatile wine and pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled meats, seafood, and brie cheese.

Our Top Pick For Chardonnay

Pinot Grigio

Tasting Notes: This light-bodied white wine offers lively flavours of crisp apple and pear with overtones of honey and lemon, offering a clean and refreshing finish with subtle minerality.

Food Pairing:  Pinot Grigio pairs ideally with light dishes, seafood, grilled fish and spicy dishes.

Our Top Pick For Pinot Grigio

Riesling

Tasting Notes: This aromatic and flavourful white wine delivers primary flavours of lime, grapefruit, peach, apricot and green apples, ranging from dry to sweet styles.

Food Pairing: Riesling wine pairs great with roasted vegetables, pork, seafood, spicy dishes and desserts.

Our Top Pick For Riesling

Chenin Blanc

Tasting Notes: This excellent white wine grape variety highlights flavours of apple, pear, honey, and quince, and occasionally offers floral or nutty notes that lead to refreshing and lingering aftertaste.

Food Pairing: Chenin Blanc pairs great with spicy foods, fried dishes, chicken and beef.

Our Top Pick For Chenin Blanc

Albariño

Tasting Notes: This bright and aromatic white wine from Spain offers lively flavours of citrus, nectarine, apricot and green apple, along with floral aromas of jasmine and orange blossoms, complemented by a slight minerality.

Food Pairing: Albariño wine pairs best with light dishes, tangy tarts, grilled vegetables, seafood and cheese.

Our Top Pick For Albariño

Gewürztraminer

Tasting Notes: This complex yet slightly sweet white wine variety offers flavours of tropical fruits including lychee, mango, tangerine and intense aromas of rose and lemongrass.

Food Pairing:  Gewürztraminer complements well with spicy dishes, blue cheese, and fruity desserts.

Our Top Pick For Gewürztraminer

Moscato

Tasting Notes:  This aromatic and light white wine delivers vibrant flavours of peach, orange blossom, and honeysuckle. Its refreshing features are enhanced by its frequent gentle effervescence.  

Food Pairing: Moscato wine complements desserts like fruit tarts and cheesecake, as well as spicy dishes and fresh salads.

Our Top Pick For Moscato

Conclusion

From the crisp, creamy Chardonnay to the rich, aromatic profile of Gewürztraminer, white wine offers an exceptional range of flavours and styles. Discovering the best features of each variety and its delicious food pairings will let you choose the perfect wine to complement every occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a red wine enthusiast, enjoying these varietals is great for exploring something new and special. With Just Wines' top-notch selection of premium wines available from around the world, you can easily get your favourite wines delivered to your doorstep. Discover our finest selection and Cheers to wonderful wines!