TYPES OF WHITE WINES

Over 50 different varietals of white wine grapes exist in the world. We have described 11 of the major types here. Almost all of these varietals (and many of the other types) are available in our WinExpert and Cellar Craft wine kits selection.

CHABLIS

Originating in the most northern regions of Burgundy, Chablis is a dry, many times ageworthy wine. The term Chablis is many times mistakenly used to describe cheaper jug or box wines whose only semblance to Chablis is their color.

CHARDONNAY

Chardonnay is the Cab of white wines. Chardonnay is used to produce the fine Burgundies and Champagne's of France.

Well-made Chardonnay's exhibit boldness and are both rich and complex. Tastes of note that you will find in fine Chardonnay's include those of peaches, honey, butter, spices, and hazelnuts. The world's best Chardonnays are high in acidity, are medium dry and medium-bodied. They are typically aged in oak.

CHENIN BLANC

Chenin Blanc is a grape which can be enjoyed in a wide range of styles from dry to semi-sweet and fruity to the very sweet late harvest style dessert wines. Very widely grown on the west coast of the United States, Chenin Blanc has virtually disappeared from the grape growing regions of Europe.

GEWURZTRAMINER

Gewurztraminer is another white wine grape which can be made in a wide range of styles from dry to off-dry to very sweet dessert wines. Gewurztraminer exhibits a spiciness which makes it very distinctive. It is a wine which tastes remarkably like the grape itself does when first picked. BlueStem Winery produces our own Gewurztraminer wine made with grapes from the Yakima Valley of Washington.

MUSCAT

The flavors of ripe table grapes, orange peels and musk permeate Muscat wines. A grape that is very often used in sweet wines and also very often used in sparkling wines, it has the versatility to also make totally dry wine. Muscat grapes are found in Europe, Australia and on the west coast of the United States.

PINOT BLANC

Pinot Blanc grapes were at one time thought to be a relative of the Chardonnay grape but, in fact, are part of the Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio family. Pinot Blanc wines are similar to Chardonnays but with less flavor and complexity. A high acidity grape, they produce a dry, medium-bodied wine.

PINOT GRIS

Pinot Gris is a dark colored white wine grape which has been derived from the red Pinot Noir grape. Mostly made as a dry wine, it can range from a delicate, light wine to a somewhat full-bodied wine.

RIESLING

Another extremely versatile white wine grape, A grape with very high natural acidity, this acidity can balance sweetness when this grape is used to make sweeter dessert-style wines. Wines produced with Riesling grapes range from light to full-bodied and have floral aromas and fruity flavors. Rieslings are made in the full range of sweetness from totally dry to some of the very best ice wines.

Riesling is a very versatile grape at BlueStem Winery as we produce three wines from this fine white varietal including an off-dry, a late harvest and a dessert.

SAUVIGNON BLANC

Another grape which is raised over a wide area from Europe to the South Pacific to the west coast of the United States, Sauvignon Blanc produces light to medium-bodied wines which are high in acidity. Flavors often present include those of herbs, grasses and melons.

SEMILLON

A grape that seems to be relatively unknown, it can be a stand alone varietal which can be made in a wide variety of styles, this grape is a great complement when blended with many types of wine grapes including Sauvignon Blanc.

VIOGNIER

It is certainly one of the most mispronounced wine grape names (Vee-Yon-Yay), this wine is becoming more and more popular in the United States as it becomes better known. Viognier exhibits flavors of peaches and apricots with additional notes of tangerines and figs and spice. Almost all Viogniers are best when consumed young. At BlueStem Winery, Viognier is a Cellar Craft kit which, when purchased, typically results in future sales of the same kit.