There are thousands of wine grape varietals across the globe, but only a select few see widespread use in wine production. These are our picks for the best white wine varietals in the world.
When it comes to critical acclaim, red wines usually take up most of the spotlight, and as such we only ever hear about a select few white wines. We are going to walk you through our favorite white wine varietals to showcase how white wines can be just as varied and versatile as red wines. We will explore rich tapestry of white wine grapes and highlight our favorite bottles from around the globe, focusing on wines that feature 70% or more of the respective varietal.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay grapes, renowned for their versatility, feature thick skins that provide a robust foundation for winemaking. They thrive in a range of climates, from cooler regions to warmer locales. Chardonnay's ancestral home is Burgundy, France, known for iconic producers like Domaine Leflaive and Domaine D'Auvenay. In the New World, California's Napa Valley and Oregon's Willamette Valley boast exceptional Chardonnays.
Old World Chardonnays are elegant and mineral-driven, showcasing flavors of green apples, citrus, and chalky notes, often with a touch of hazelnut and a structured backbone. New World counterparts tend to be fruit-forward, with ripe apple, tropical fruit, and creamy vanilla, often framed by generous oak influence.
Our Favorite (Old World): Domaine Francois Raveneau Valmur, Chablis Grand Cru
Our Favorite (New World): Bergström Sigrid Chardonnay
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc grapes have moderately thick skins and are known for their adaptability. They thrive in the cool climate of France's Loire Valley, producing still and sparkling wines that range from dry to sweet. Chenin Blanc's versatility is showcased in Vouvray, where producers like Domaine Huet and Richard Leroy craft legendary wines. In the New World, South Africa's Stellenbosch region excels with Chenin Blanc.
Old World Chenin Blancs are vibrant and crisp, offering flavors of green apple, honeydew melon, and a distinct minerality, often with a hint of wet stone and lively acidity. New World interpretations are fruit-driven, with ripe pear, quince, and tropical fruit, occasionally showcasing a touch of sweetness.
Our Favorite (Old World): Domaine Huet 'Cuvee Constance' Moelleux Vouvray
Our Favorite (New World): The Sadie Family Die Ouwingerdreeks 'Mev. Kirsten' Chenin Blanc
Marsanne
Marsanne grapes thrive in the warm continental climate of Northern Rhône's Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and St. Joseph regions. These grapes have moderately thick skins that contribute to the wines' richness and complexity. The Old World style is best showcased by legacy producers like Maison Chapoutier and E. Guigal. While Marsanne is less common in the New World, Australia's Victoria region and California's Central Coast produce notable examples.
Old World Marsannes are rich and textured, featuring flavors of honeydew melon, pear and toasted nuts, often with a waxy mouthfeel and a touch of floral notes. New World renditions are characterized by ripe stone fruit, hazelnut and a creamy texture, providing a luscious, modern expression.
Our Favorite (Old World): E. Guigal Ermitage "Ex-Voto" White
Our Favorite (New World): Cass Estate Marsanne
Pinot Grigio/Gris
Pinot Grigio/Gris is a mutation of Pinot Noir and showcases a range of styles, from light and crisp to rich and full-bodied. Its thin skins make it susceptible to disease but contribute to the wine's delicate nature. Its spiritual home is Italy's Alto Adige region, while France's Alsace produces some incredible. In the New World, Oregon's Willamette Valley and New Zealand excel with Pinot Gris.
Old World Pinot Grigios are refreshing, with flavors of green apple, lemon zest, and mineral nuances, often exhibiting vibrant acidity and a clean, linear profile. New World Pinot Gris wines are fruit-driven, offering ripe pear, apricot, and honey notes with a lush, round mouthfeel.
Our Favorite (Old World): Alois Lageder Porer Pinot Grigio
Our Favorite (New World): The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris Estate
Riesling
Riesling, celebrated for its diverse expressions, is Germany's flagship grape and can range from dry to off-dry. Off-dry Rieslings offer a touch of sweetness that balances the acidity, providing a harmonious, slightly sweet profile, while dry Rieslings are crisp and lean, with minimal residual sugar, offering a more austere and refreshing character. This varietal thrives in the cool, continental climate of regions along the Mosel and Rhine rivers. In the New World, Australia's Clare Valley and New York's Finger Lakes region produce exceptional Rieslings.
Old World Rieslings are renowned for their vibrant acidity, showcasing flavors of green apple, white peach, honey and floral notes, often with a distinct minerality and a touch of petrol. New World renditions are fruit-driven, with ripe apricot, citrus, and honeyed complexity while maintaining a refreshing acidity.
Our Favorite (Old World): Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese
Our Favorite (New World): Élevée Ridgecrest Vineyard Riesling
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc grapes thrive in regions with varying climates, offering wines with vibrant acidity and distinct herbaceous notes. Bordeaux, France is its Old World home while Sancerre in France's Loire Valley makes many of its greatest bottles. In the New World, New Zealand's Marlborough region is a global icon and California's Napa Valley produces some excellent bottles.
Old World Sauvignon Blancs are crisp, with flavors of green bell pepper, gooseberry, and flinty mineral tones, often with a grassy undertone and racy acidity. New World interpretations are fruit-forward, featuring tropical fruit, passionfruit, and citrus zest, delivering a lively, zesty character.
Our Favorite (Old World): Edmond Vatan, Sancerre Clos La Néore
Our Favorite (New World): Kenzo Asatsuyu
Semillon
Semillon grapes are thin-skinned and thrive in warm climates. They are most famously associated with the production of luscious dessert wines like Sauternes, where noble rot (Botrytis Cinerea) enhances its sweetness and complexity. However, it is also used to craft incredible still white wines, most traditionally in Bordeaux blancs. In the New World it is most famously grown in Australia's Hunter Valley and Barossa Valley.
Old World Semillons are complex, with flavors of lemon curd, beeswax, and a distinct lanolin texture, often exhibiting a waxy mouthfeel and evolving beautifully with age. New World Semillons are elegant, featuring flavors of green apple, pear, and a refreshing acidity, maintaining a youthful and vibrant profile.
Our Favorite (Old World): Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc
Our Favorite (New World): Tyrrell's Sémillon Vat 1
Viognier
Viognier grapes, known for their intense floral aromatics, have found a haven in the Northern Rhône's Condrieu region. In the New World, California's Central Coast and Virginia produce noteworthy Viogniers.
Old World Viogniers are aromatic, with flavors of white flowers, apricot, and honeysuckle, often with a rich, oily texture and a balanced acidity. New World interpretations are fruit-driven, boasting ripe stone fruit, tropical notes, and a silky mouthfeel, delivering an opulent, modern expression.
Our Favorite (Old World): E. Guigal Condrieu La Doriane, Rhone, France
Our Favorite (New World): Epoch Estate York Mountain Viognier
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