WINE 101 | WHITE VARIETAL WINE PROFILES

Well known white varietal wine profiles:

Chardonnay

Ripe pear, apple, butterscotch and pineapple/tropical fruit aromas. Medium to very full bodied wines with soft to moderate acidity.

Chenin Blanc

Granny Smith apple, pear and citrus notes are the hallmark of this varietal. Light to medium bodied wines with moderate to crisp acidity.

Gewurztraminer

Distinct, lychee, rose, and tropical fruit profile. Light to full bodied wines with moderate to crisp acidity.

Muscat

Distinct, floral, grapey character with spice undertones. Light to medium/full bodied wines with soft to moderate acidity.

Pinot Blanc

Very elegant apple, melon and tropical fruit aromas. Light to medium/full bodied wines with moderate acidity.

Pinot Gris

Apple, pear and melon notes with hints of tropical fruit and spice. Slight mineral notes on occasion. Light to medium/full bodied wines with moderate acidity.

Johannisberg Riesling (or simply ‘Riesling')

Unique floral, peach, apricot and petroleum nuances. Light to full bodied wines with crisp to very crisp acidity.

Sauvignon Blanc

Unique profile of grapefruit, gooseberry, passionfruit and freshly cut grass. Undertones of black currant. Medium to very full bodied wines with moderate to high acidity.

Semillon

Golden Delicious apple, melon and tropical fruit character. Medium to very full bodied wines with low to moderate acidity.

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Lesser known white varietal wine profiles:

Aligote

Relatively neutral profile of green apple, pear and wet stone. Light to medium bodied wines of moderate to moderately high acidity.

Auxerrois

Green apple and pear with slight citrus notes. Wet stone (flinty) nuances. Light to medium bodied wines of moderate to high acidity.

French Colombard

Apple, melon and pear notes. Medium to full bodied wines of moderate acidity.

Gruner Veltliner

Floral, spice and mineral notes when growing conditions are right. Light to medium/full bodied wines with moderate to high acidity.

Kerner

Very similar to Riesling with floral, peach and apricot nuances but less sophisticated. Medium to medium/ full wines with high acidity and a slightly astringent mouthfeel.

Seyval Blanc

Green apple and lemon aromas with tropical fruit undertones. Slightly grassy. Light to medium bodied wines with high to very high acidity.

Silvaner

Relatively neutral profile with slight floral and apple accents—sometimes flinty. Medium to full bodied wines of moderate acidity.

Trebbiano

Relatively neutral aromas of apple and pear. Light to medium bodied wine with moderate to high acidity.

Vidal Blanc (or simply ‘Vidal')

Workhorse cold climate grape with floral and tropical fruit character—slight citrus notes. Light to medium bodied wines with high acidity.

Viognier

Floral and peach profile with melon and smoke hints. Sometimes slightly mineral in character. Medium to medium/full bodied wines with moderate acidity levels.

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