Obviously we won’t be covering all varieties—this is merely a selection of the most common, as well as those that best represent their respective descriptive categories.

A sensory immersion where acidity plays the leading role

Fresh and Lively

Fresh white fruit, citrusy notes and bright acidity course through the veins of these lively varieties.

· Albariño

· Chablis (unoaked Chardonnay, France)

· Chenin Blanc

· Garnacha Blanca

· Pinot Blanc

· Pinot Grigio

· Verdejo

· Verdicchio

Torres Wines:

• Pazo das Bruxas, Albariño (DO Rías Baixas)
• Verdeo, Verdejo (DO Rueda)
• Rebels de Batea, Garnacha Blanca (DO Terra Alta)

Light and Aromatic

Pure aromatic intensity. White fruit, flowers and spices—plus a touch of sweetness from the grapes’ residual sugar, which makes them irresistible.

· Chenin Blanc

· Gewürztraminer

· Riesling

· Torrontés

Torres Wines:

• Viña Esmeralda, Muscat and Gewürztraminer (DO Catalunya)
• Waltraud, Riesling (DO Penedès)

Herbaceous/Vegetative

Light-to-medium bodied varieties, crisp acidity and vegetative aromas reminiscent of herbs, green bell pepper or asparagus.

· Sauvignon Blanc

· Vermentino

· Vinho Verde

Torres Wines:

• Fransola, Sauvignon Blanc (DO Penedès)

Round and Creamy

Oak aging imparts wonderfully creamy notes of puff pastry, dried fruit and vanilla. These winning wines banish any and all doubts about the benefits of aging white wine.

· Chardonnay

· Rioja Blanco

· Sémillon

· Trebbiano

· Viognier

Torres Wines:

• Milmanda Chardonnay (DO Conca de Barberà)

Sweet or Dessert Wines (varieties, styles and regions)

Let’s look at varieties used in making sweet wines. These are wonderful as an aperitif or with dessert.

· Malvasia

· Muscat of Alexandria

· Sherry

· Pedro Ximénez

· Port (white)

· Sauternes AC (Bordeaux, France)

· Tokaji (Hungary)

· Late harvest wines

· Vin Santo (Tuscany, Italy)

· Eiswein (ice wine)

Torres Wines:

• Moscatel Floralis (DO Catalunya)

Xarel.lo Vs Garnacha blanca

Have no choice but to get along...

Warm vs. Cool Climate

To the eyes (and nose!) of a non-professional, the influence of climate on the vine might be easier to discern and identify in white wines.

Let’s see how:

In cool or moderately warm climates, the grapes usually have higher acidity, the intense varietal aromas tend toward white fruit (apple, pear) and one perceives a presence of green herbaceous notes. The wines are fresh and racy on the palate.

Chardonnay

By contrast, warmer climates produce acidity that isn’t as lively and higher alcohol levels. White fruit gives way to stone and riper fruit, and the mouthfeel creamier and more opulent.

Red varieties in white wine and vice versa...

A curious side note: did you know that red blends sometimes contain white varieties and that red varieties are often used in making cava and champagne?

Lets look at three examples:

Pinot Noir

The most elegant of all red varieties forms part of the classic champagne blend, alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.

Trepat

Much like Pinot Noir in champagne, Trepat (a native variety of the Conca de Barberà region) is used in sparkling wine production—in this case, cava.

Viura

Also known as Macabeo, small quantities of this white variety are added to the blend of great red wines produced in the DOC Rioja appellation. The variety adds nerve and acidity, making the overall wine livelier and more consistent.

Related

How white wine is made

4 varieties that [maybe] you don’t know about and you shouldn’t miss (I)

Wine aromas