What are the main white grape varieties?
Quick answer
The leading white grape varieties are Chardonnay (the most famous), Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio/Gris, Gewurztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Sémillon, Muscat and Grüner Veltliner. They span the full spectrum from bone-dry and mineral to richly aromatic and sweet.
Detailed answer
White grapes offer an even broader aromatic range than reds, spanning from austere minerality to exuberant floral intensity.
Chardonnay is the world's most versatile white grape. Relatively neutral by nature, it faithfully reflects its terroir and winemaking: crisp and mineral in Chablis (stainless steel), rich and buttery in Burgundy (oak barrel), tropical and opulent in California. It is also the leading Champagne grape.
Sauvignon Blanc is the king of freshness: citrus, boxwood, cut grass. It shines in Sancerre, Bordeaux (dry and blended with Sémillon) and New Zealand's Marlborough. Riesling, the great grape of Alsace and Germany, is considered by many experts to be the noblest white variety, capable of producing dry, off-dry and sweet wines of exceptional longevity.
Pinot Gris/Grigio delivers two very different styles: light and neutral in Italy (Pinot Grigio), rich and spicy in Alsace (Pinot Gris). Gewurztraminer is the most aromatic of all (lychee, rose, spice). Chenin Blanc, the Loire Valley star (Vouvray, Savennières), is among the most versatile grapes — dry, sweet and sparkling.
Viognier (Condrieu) captivates with apricot and blossom aromas. Sémillon partners Sauvignon in Bordeaux and forms the base of great Sauternes. Muscat produces sweet fortified wines (Beaumes-de-Venise, Rivesaltes) and aromatic dry whites.