Different Types of White Grapes Wine



Different Types of White Grapes Wine

The taste of a wine depends principally on the grapes from which it is made. Different climates, soils, and winemaking techniques also play a part. White wine is almost always made from white grapes, although black grapes can be used if contact between the skins (where color is obtained) and the juice is avoided.

All grape varieties have individual characteristics and ripen at different times, the type of grape exerting a heavy influence on the taste of a wine.

Different Categories of White Grapes Wine

Broadly speaking, the styles of white wine produced can be broken down into three categories: light-bodied white wines such as German Riesling, aromatic white wines such as Gewürztraminer, and full-bodied and wooded white wines such as Chardonnay or Sémillon.

Gewurztraminer White Grapes

This distinctive grape variety is known by its friends simply as Gewurtz but sometimes also as Traminer. It provides intense aromas, reminiscent of lychee, rose petals and spice. Gewurztraminer often smells sweet, but many produce an element of surprise, by tasting dry. It tends to grow best in cooler climates where there is a decent level of acidity in the soil. Alsace Gewurztraminers are the most successful, with wines from other territories tending to be bland in comparison. Gewurztraminer is found in Alsace, Germany, Northern Italy, Eastern Europe, and the USA.

Muscadet (Melon de Bourgogne) White Grapes

This grape makes the seafood wine par excellence. Offering hints of apple and gooseberry, the wine becomes dry, savory and tangy, particularly when aged in contact with the lees (sur lie) - the yeast deposit left after fermentation. Attempts to age Muscadet in oak are not guaranteed to meet with success as the grape's structure and body tend to preclude assimilation with the wood. The Muscadet grape thrives in the Loire Valley.

Muscat White Grapes

All members of the large Muscat family share a floral, grapey, and aromatic character. Depending on when it is picked, Muscat is capable of making dry to sweet wines, from the very lightest to the biggest 'stickies', such as the Liqueur Muscats of Australia. The taste of sweet Muscats is redolent of raisins and oranges. These wines may be fortified with grape brandy during the fermentation process in order to preserve sweetness. The Muscat is often blended with other varieties of grape in order to increase complexity and flavor. It is used in the well-known Italian wine Asti Spumante. Muscat is grown throughout Europe and also in Australia.

Trebbiano (Ugni Blanc) Grapes

The most widely planted white grape in Italy, the soil and warm climate help to create wines with highest acidity. Indeed, because of its high acidity it is sometimes blended with red wines. Trebbianos tend to be medium bodied and with zesty fruit character. Trebbiano is usually fermented in stainless steel vats and may be matured in oak in order to add some complexity to the flavor. It is found in Italy and France, where the grape is used in the blend for Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne. It also makes excellent distilling material for both Cognac and Armagnc.

Viognier Grapes

Very aromatic, Voignier's hallmark notes are of apricot. peach, and honey. Lush and fleshy, the dry wines produced by the Viognier grape are so aromatic that they can seem sweet on the palate. Voignier is a difficult grape to grow successfully. Indeed, modern winemaking techniques are being developed to encourage a consistency in the taste. In France it tends to do best on the small hillsides outside Lyons. Viognier takes centre stage in Condrieu (Northern Rhône) and is also doing well in Southern France, Australia, and California.

Marsanne White Grapes

From the Rhône Valley, France's Marsanne makes full-bodied, fat and weighty wines, with flavors of peach and toast, and can even taste nutty when mature. Marsanne may be blended with Roussanne.

Pinot Blanc (Pinot Bianco)

Pinot Blanc invariably makes dry, apple-scented and flavored white wines, with a touch of honey and a whiff of spice in Alsace. Very adaptable with food, Pinot Blanc is also star material for sparkling wine. Pinot Blanc is another grape to originate in the Alsace region of France although it is now grown throughout Europe and also in North America.


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