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Section 14 of 34
Principal white grapes
Chapter 3 covered the high-acid, botrytis-friendly whites. This chapter covers the four groups that make up most of the white wine you actually drink: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, and the aromatic trio of Gewurztraminer, Viognier, and Albariño.
By the end of this chapter you will be able to:
- Describe how Chardonnay's flavours change from cool to warm climates and how winemaking options shape its style.
- Distinguish the main regions for Chardonnay: Burgundy's four tiers, California's coastal belt, Australia's cool-climate pockets, and their New-World peers.
- Explain the Sauvignon Blanc contrast between the Loire and Marlborough.
- Recognise Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris as the same grape producing two opposite styles.
- Describe the Gewurztraminer, Viognier, and Albariño aromatic profiles and their classic regions.
Four sub-sections ahead, one per grape group. Start with Chardonnay.