Albariño shows pale lemon coloration with bright clarity. On the nose, it’s intensely aromatic — lime, peach, apricot, and saline sea spray are classic markers. The palate is crisp and vibrant, driven by high acidity and citrus fruit. Body is light to medium, with a slightly rounded texture despite its freshness. The finish is clean and mineral, often echoing brine and stone fruit. Benchmark expressions come from Rías Baixas in Galicia, where Atlantic influence defines its character. In Portugal, it is known as Alvarinho.
Aligoté appears pale lemon in the glass. Aromatically, it’s restrained — green apple, lemon peel, and subtle floral tones. The palate is lean and high-acid, emphasizing freshness over fruit weight. Body is light. The finish is brisk and citrus-driven. Benchmark region: Burgundy, particularly Bouzeron, where it achieves its highest expression. It is unrelated genetically to Chardonnay despite regional proximity.
Assyrtiko shows pale straw coloration. The nose combines citrus, smoke, and volcanic minerality. The palate is razor-sharp, with bracing acidity and saline tension. Body is medium but feels lighter due to its structure. The finish is long, dry, and mineral. Benchmark region: Santorini, where volcanic soils shape its intensity. It has no major international synonyms.
Chardonnay appears pale lemon to gold depending on oak and age. The nose ranges widely — green apple and citrus in cool climates, to pineapple, butter, and vanilla in warmer, oaked styles. The palate varies from lean and mineral to rich and creamy. Body spans medium to full. The finish reflects winemaking — either crisp or opulent. Benchmark regions include Burgundy, Napa Valley, and Sonoma Coast. It is one of the world’s most widely planted and stylistically versatile grapes.
Chenin Blanc shows pale straw color. Aromatically, it offers quince, apple, honey, and chamomile. The palate is driven by high acidity, supporting styles from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Body is medium. The finish is long and often waxy. Benchmark regions include the Loire Valley (Vouvray, Savennières) and South Africa. It has no major commercial synonyms but produces some of the world’s longest-lived whites.
Falanghina appears pale lemon. The nose shows citrus, green apple, and white flowers. The palate is fresh with moderate acidity and soft texture. Body is light to medium. The finish is clean and slightly herbal. Benchmark region: Campania in Southern Italy. It is one of Italy’s key indigenous white grapes.
Furmint shows pale gold coloration. Aromatically, it combines pear, apple, honey, and spice. The palate is structured with high acidity. Body is medium. The finish is long and mineral. Benchmark region: Tokaj in Hungary, especially for sweet Aszú wines but increasingly dry styles. It is often blended with Hárslevelű.
Gewürztraminer shows deep golden hue. The nose is intensely aromatic — lychee, rose petal, ginger, and spice. The palate is full-bodied and low-acid, often with slight sweetness. The finish is perfumed and exotic. Benchmark regions include Alsace and Alto Adige. It is a mutation of the Traminer family.
Glera appears pale straw with bubbles in sparkling form. The nose is fruity — pear, apple, and white flowers. The palate is light and gently effervescent. The finish is fresh and approachable. Benchmark region: Veneto, in Prosecco production. Glera is the grape; Prosecco is the appellation.
Godello appears pale lemon to gold. The nose combines citrus, pear, and mineral tones. The palate balances freshness with texture. Body is medium. The finish is clean and slightly saline. Benchmark region: Valdeorras in Spain. It is often compared stylistically to Chardonnay.
Grüner Veltliner shows pale green-gold color. The nose is distinctive — green apple, white pepper, and lentil. The palate is crisp and structured with lively acidity. Body is light to medium. The finish is spicy and mineral. Benchmark region: Austria, particularly Wachau and Kamptal. It has no major synonyms.
Macabeo appears pale lemon. Aromatically, it offers apple, citrus, and almond. The palate is fresh with moderate acidity. Body is medium-light. The finish is clean and slightly nutty. Benchmark regions include Rioja and Cava production. Synonym: Viura.
Marsanne shows golden coloration. The nose is rich — pear, quince, honey, and almond. The palate is full-bodied with moderate acidity. The finish is waxy and long. Benchmark regions include Northern Rhône (Hermitage, Saint-Joseph). Often blended with Roussanne.
Melon appears pale lemon. Aromatically, it is subtle — citrus, green apple, and saline minerality. The palate is lean and high-acid. Body is light. The finish is briny and crisp. Benchmark region: Muscadet in the Loire Valley.
Moscato shows pale straw color. The nose is intensely grapey — peach, orange blossom, and honey. The palate is light-bodied, often sweet and slightly effervescent. The finish is floral and fresh. Benchmark region: Moscato d’Asti in Piedmont. It belongs to the ancient Muscat family.
Müller-Thurgau appears pale lemon. The nose is light — peach, apple, and floral tones. The palate is soft with moderate acidity. Body is light. The finish is gentle and fruit-forward. It is widely grown in Germany and Northern Italy. Genetically, it is a cross involving Riesling.
Parellada shows pale coloration. Aromatically, it is delicate — citrus and white flowers. The palate is light and fresh. The finish is clean. Benchmark region: Catalonia, primarily in Cava blends alongside Macabeo and Xarel-lo.
Picpoul appears pale lemon. The nose shows lemon, green apple, and saline notes. The palate is high-acid and refreshing. Body is light. The finish is mouthwatering. Benchmark region: Picpoul de Pinet in Southern France.
Pinot Blanc shows pale gold color. The nose offers apple, pear, and almond. The palate is soft with moderate acidity. Body is medium. The finish is clean and rounded. Benchmark regions include Alsace and Alto Adige. It is a mutation of Pinot Noir.
Pinot Gris shows deeper gold coloration. The nose ranges from pear and apple to honey and spice. The palate can be crisp (Italian Pinot Grigio) or rich (Alsace styles). Body is medium to full. The finish is textural. It is a mutation of Pinot Noir.
Robola shows pale lemon color. The nose combines citrus, stone fruit, and mineral tones. The palate is crisp with saline lift. Body is light to medium. The finish is clean and coastal. Benchmark region: Kefalonia, Greece.
Riesling appears pale straw. Aromatically, it offers lime, peach, petrol, and jasmine. The palate is driven by electric acidity, balancing sweetness levels from dry to lusciously sweet. Body is light to medium. The finish is long and mineral. Benchmark regions include Mosel, Rheingau, Alsace, and Clare Valley.
Roussanne shows golden hue. The nose is floral — honeysuckle, pear, and tea. The palate is textured with moderate acidity. Body is medium-plus. The finish is waxy and aromatic. Benchmark regions include Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône blends.
Sauvignon Blanc appears pale lemon. The nose is piercing — lime, gooseberry, grass, and jalapeño. The palate is high-acid and linear. Body is light to medium. The finish is zesty and herbal. Benchmark regions include Loire Valley, Marlborough, and Napa/Sonoma.
Sémillon shows pale gold color. The nose offers lemon curd, lanolin, and honey. The palate is waxy with moderate acidity. Body is medium to full. The finish is rich and textural. Benchmark regions include Bordeaux (dry and Sauternes sweet wines) and Hunter Valley.
Vermentino appears pale straw. Aromatically, it shows citrus, herbs, and sea spray. The palate is fresh with moderate acidity. Body is light to medium. The finish is saline and slightly bitter. Benchmark regions include Sardinia and Liguria.
Viognier shows deep golden hue. The nose is intensely aromatic — apricot, peach, and orange blossom. The palate is full-bodied with low acidity. The finish is lush and perfumed. Benchmark region: Condrieu in the Northern Rhône. It is often co-fermented with Syrah in Côte-Rôtie.