Types of White Wine: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Styles, Flavours & Pairings

White wine is more than just a chilled glass on a summer evening; it’s a delightful world brimming with styles, flavours and food pairings that can elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re just starting or a passionate wine lover, getting to know the different types of white wine will help you to make better choices, uncover new favourites, and confidently pair wines with your meals.

This guide will take a fun journey through 15 of the most popular white wine types with unique taste profiles, food pairings and origins, ensuring you can sip confidently and joyfully! Let's get into it. 🤓

What Is White Wine?

White wine is made mainly from green or yellow-skinned grapes and the juice is fermented without the grape skins. This process leads to wines with a lighter colour, body and tannins than red wines.

White wines can be wonderfully bone-dry or luxuriously sweet and they vary from feather-light to creamy and rich. This means white wines are incredibly versatile for food pairings.

Key Characteristics of White Wine

• Acidity: A defining trait. Most white wines are more acidic than reds.
• Alcohol Content: Typically between 11–13%, though some reach 14%.
• Aromatics: From zesty citrus to honeyed stone fruit and floral notes.
• Sweetness Levels: Ranges from dry (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc) to sweet (e.g., Moscato, Ice Wine).
• Body: Light (Pinot Grigio) to full (Oaked Chardonnay).

Popular Types of White Wine

White wine might all look similar in the glass, but what’s inside can be worlds apart. From zesty and lip-smackingly dry to lush and aromatic, even sweet and silky. With hundreds of white grape varieties grown across the globe, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing one. The following guide will introduce 15 of the most popular white wine types you will likely encounter. Each variety has its unique charm, and once you familiarise yourself with them, you’ll soon start recognising your favourites in no time!

The 15 Most Popular Types of White Wine
White Wine Type	Notable Regions	Taste & Structure	Best Food Pairings
Sauvignon Blanc	Marlborough (NZ), Loire Valley (France), California (USA), Chile	Zesty, high in acidity with flavours of lime, gooseberry, fresh herbs, and a crisp finish.	Goat’s cheese, asparagus, oysters, herby salads
Chardonnay	Burgundy (France), Napa Valley (USA), Margaret River (Australia)	From unoaked & mineral (green apple, flint) to full-bodied & buttery (vanilla, toast, tropical fruit).	Roast chicken, lobster, creamy mushroom pasta, brie
Pinot Grigio / Gris	Veneto (Italy), Alsace (France), Oregon (USA)	Light, clean, crisp in Italian styles; richer, spicier and more textured in Alsace and Oregon styles.	Seafood pasta, grilled chicken, summer salads
Riesling	Mosel (Germany), Alsace (France), Eden Valley (Australia)	Highly aromatic with bright acidity; lime and green apple in dry styles, apricot and honey in sweeter ones.	Thai curry, pork belly, apple tart
Albariño	Rías Baixas (Spain), Vinho Verde (Portugal)	Bright and refreshing with citrus, nectarine, floral notes, and a sea-spray minerality.	Tapas, ceviche, grilled prawns
Chenin Blanc	Loire Valley (France), South Africa	Incredibly versatile; flavours of bruised apple, quince, honey, chamomile with a waxy texture and balanced acidity.	Roast pork, goat’s cheese, honey-roasted root veg
Vermentino	Sardinia, Corsica, Liguria	Herbal and citrusy with notes of grapefruit peel, crushed herbs, and slight salinity. Slightly waxy texture, dry finish.	Grilled squid, pesto pasta, lemon chicken
Gewürztraminer	Alsace (France), Alto Adige (Italy), New Zealand	Intensely aromatic with lychee, rose, ginger, Turkish delight. Lush texture, lower acidity, can be off-dry to sweet.	Spicy curry, Munster cheese, glazed pork
Grüner Veltliner	Austria, Czech Republic	Crisp and peppery with notes of green apple, lemon zest, white pepper, and a clean linear body.	Schnitzel, asparagus, fresh salads
Viognier	Rhône Valley (France), California (USA), Barossa (Australia)	Full-bodied and perfumed with flavours of apricot, peach, orange blossom, and vanilla. Soft acidity, plush mouthfeel.	Grilled peach salad, creamy chicken, Moroccan tagines
Semillon	Hunter Valley (Australia), Bordeaux (France)	Crisp and lemony in youth, developing into honeyed, toasty richness. Medium body, waxy texture.	Scallops, rich fish, duck pâté
Torrontés	Salta (Argentina)	Intensely floral (jasmine, peach) but typically dry. Crisp acidity balances its aromatic charm.	Vietnamese salads, sushi, mango chicken
Muscadet	Loire Valley (France)	Light-bodied, bone-dry, with lemon zest, sea salt, and a chalky mineral finish. Aged on lees for added complexity.	Oysters, moules marinières, seaweed salad
Trebbiano	Central Italy, Abruzzo	Crisp and neutral with notes of citrus peel, almond skin, and white flowers. High acidity, great food wine.	Pizza bianca, grilled vegetables, simple pasta
Moscato	Piedmont (Italy), Australia, California (USA)	Light, sweet, gently sparkling with orange blossom, peach, and honey. Low alcohol and highly aromatic.	Fruit tarts, brunch pastries, spicy stir-fries

Now that you’ve got the big picture, let’s explore each type in more detail, from flavour notes to food pairings and what makes each unique.

Sauvignon Blanc

• Notable Regions: Marlborough (NZ), Loire Valley (France), California (USA), Chile
• Taste & Structure: Zesty and high in acidity, with flavours of lime, gooseberry, green herbs, and a crisp, mouthwatering finish.
• Food Pairing: Goat’s cheese, grilled asparagus, oysters, herby salads

Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for that zingy, high-acid brightness that practically leaps out of the glass! Picture delightful flavours like gooseberry, lime zest, fresh-cut grass, and green bell pepper, all beautifully wrapped in a refreshing structure. This lively white, often unoaked, offers a crisp finish that leaves your palate feeling clean and excited for the next bite or sip!

Chardonnay

• Notable Regions: Burgundy (France), Napa Valley (USA), Margaret River (Australia), Sussex (UK)
• Taste & Structure: Can range from unoaked and mineral (think green apple and flint) to full-bodied, buttery with vanilla, toast, and ripe tropical fruit notes.
• Food Pairing: Roast chicken, lobster, creamy mushroom pasta, brie

Chardonnay is the ultimate shape-shifter! It showcases a lean and mineral-driven profile in cooler climates with delightful notes of green apple, zesty lemon peel, and fresh wet stone. However, when it’s oak-aged or comes from warmer regions, it transforms into a full-bodied, buttery delight, offering wonderful flavours of rich vanilla, toasted hazelnut, and luscious ripe tropical fruit. The texture is often creamy and rounded, all thanks to the magical malolactic fermentation process. It's also a key grape variety in Champagne.

Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris

• Notable Regions: Veneto (Italy), Alsace (France), Oregon (USA)
• Taste & Structure: Light, clean, and easy-drinking. Italian Pinot Grigio is dry and crisp; Alsace Pinot Gris is richer with ripe stone fruit and spice.
• Food Pairing: Seafood pasta, grilled chicken, summer salads

Pinot Grigio is a beloved choice for so many reasons! Italian styles are light, crisp and dry, featuring delightful notes of pear, lemon, and a hint of almond. On the other hand, Alsatian or Oregon versions bring a richer, almost velvety texture with flavours of baked apple, honeysuckle, and a dash of spice. Always welcoming and easy to enjoy, it’s a fantastic pick when you're in the mood for something refreshing and straightforward!

Riesling

• Notable Regions: Mosel (Germany), Alsace (France), Eden Valley (Australia)
• Taste & Structure: Highly aromatic, with high acidity. Flavours span from green apple and lime in dry versions to apricot, honey, and petrol in sweeter styles.
• Food Pairing: Thai curry, pork belly, apple tart

Riesling is one of the most beautifully aromatic wines you can experience! Depending on the style, you might discover delightful notes of lime and green apple in the dry versions, while aged or sweeter styles offer lovely bursts of apricot, honeycomb, and even a hint of petrol. Thanks to its refreshing acidity and graceful structure, Riesling pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes and elegant desserts!

Albariño

• Notable Regions: Rías Baixas (Spain), Vinho Verde (Portugal)
• Taste & Structure: Bright and refreshing with citrus, nectarine, and a touch of sea spray salinity. Medium body and vibrant acidity.
• Food Pairing: Tapas, ceviche, grilled prawns

Albariño feels like a refreshing sea breeze in a glass! Its light body and high acidity, combined with its delightful aromas, offer flavours of juicy nectarine, zesty lime, a hint of saline minerality, and a lovely floral lift. Since it's often unoaked, it pairs perfectly with seafood and sunny days or even when you’re just dreaming of the beautiful coast of Galicia.

Chenin Blanc

• Notable Regions: Loire Valley (France), South Africa
• Taste & Structure: Incredibly versatile, from crisp and dry to sweet and luscious. Expect notes of quince, chamomile, honey, and waxy texture.
• Food Pairing: Roast pork, goat’s cheese, honey-roasted root veg

Chenin Blanc is wonderfully versatile! It can be enjoyed as bone-dry or deliciously sweet, still or sparkling. You can look forward to delightful flavours like bruised apple, quince, chamomile, and a touch of lanolin, all balanced by bright acidity. South African versions often offer more tropical fruit and a fuller body, while French styles tend to be more restrained and showcase lovely minerality.

Vermentino

• Notable Regions: Sardinia (Italy), Corsica (France), Liguria (Italy)
• Taste & Structure: Lively and herbal, with bright citrus, green apple, and bitter almond. Slightly oily mouthfeel with a dry finish.
• Food Pairing: Grilled squid, pesto pasta, lemony roast chicken

Vermentino brings to mind the delightful essence of the Mediterranean with its vibrant acidity, lovely herbal notes, and refreshing citrus qualities. Imagine the delightful flavours of grapefruit peel, white peach, crushed herbs, and a hint of pleasant salinity. It’s lively and crisp, yet it carries a slightly waxy texture that adds a touch of sophistication, making it feel more substantial than it initially seems.

Gewürztraminer

• Notable Regions: Alsace (France), Alto Adige (Italy), New Zealand
• Taste & Structure: Intensely aromatic with lychee, rose, and spice. Low acidity, lush texture, and a bit of sweetness, depending on the style.
• Food Pairing: Spicy curry, Munster cheese, ginger-glazed pork

Bold, fragrant, and unapologetically floral, Gewürztraminer knows how to make a statement! Prepare for an explosion of delightful aromas like lychee, rose petals, ginger, and Turkish delight, all wrapped in a rich texture, beautifully rounded and lower in acidity. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it wine. However, it transforms into something magical when you enjoy it alongside spicy or aromatic dishes!

Grüner Veltliner

• Notable Regions: Austria, Czech Republic
• Taste & Structure: Crisp, dry, and peppery. Shows flavours of green apple, lemon zest, and white pepper with a clean, linear profile.
• Food Pairing: Schnitzel, asparagus, fresh salads

Grüner is Austria’s beloved white wine, and it’s easy to see why! With delightful notes of white pepper spice, crisp green apple, and bright lemon zest, it often carries a lovely savoury hint of radish or lentil on the nose. Clean, smooth, and refreshing, it’s the perfect choice for when Sauvignon seems a bit too sharp, but Chardonnay feels a tad too heavy.

Viognier

• Notable Regions: Rhône Valley (France), California (USA), Barossa (Australia)
• Taste & Structure: This wine is full-bodied and perfumed. Its flavours include apricot, peach, orange blossom, and sometimes vanilla. The acidity is soft, and the mouthfeel is plush.
• Food Pairing: Grilled peach salad, creamy chicken dishes, Moroccan tagines

Viognier is lush and aromatic, boasting a plush mouthfeel many people adore. It beautifully showcases notes of stone fruit, honeysuckle, and orange blossom, with a hint of vanilla if it has been aged in oak. Viognier feels soft and rounded with its lower acidity, making it a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys full flavours without an overwhelming zing.

Semillon

• Notable Regions: Hunter Valley (Australia), Bordeaux (France)
• Taste & Structure: Can be crisp and lemony in youth, evolving into toasty, honeyed richness with age. Medium body and waxy texture.
• Food Pairing: Scallops, rich fish dishes, duck pâté

Semillon evolves from crisp and citrusy flavours when young to rich, honeyed, and toasty notes as it ages. In Bordeaux, it’s frequently blended with Sauvignon Blanc, while in Australia, it has a chance to shine on its own with delightful hints of lemongrass, lanolin, lemon peel, and a lovely toastiness that develops over time. This wine may be understated, but it offers tremendous rewards for those who appreciate it.

Torrontés

• Notable Regions: Salta (Argentina)
• Taste & Structure: Intensely floral on the nose but usually dry on the palate. Expect flavours of jasmine, peach, citrus, and a crisp acidic backbone.
• Food Pairing: Vietnamese salads, sushi, mango chicken

Torrontés is a bouquet in a bottle, bursting with lovely aromas of jasmine, orange blossom, and peach nectar that dance together beautifully. But don’t let its perfume trick you, it’s often quite dry. The crisp acidity perfectly balances the floral exuberance, creating a charming and delightful pairing for aromatic foods.

Muscadet (Melon de Bourgogne)

• Notable Regions: Loire Valley (France)
• Taste & Structure: Light-bodied and bone-dry, with lemon zest, sea salt, and a mineral, leesy finish. Delicate and refreshing.
• Food Pairing: Oysters, moules marinières, seaweed salad

Muscadet is a delightful companion for oysters! It’s bone-dry and light-bodied, beautifully aged on lees, and offers lovely notes of green apple, sea spray, lemon rind, and a hint of chalky finish. Refreshing and lean, this wine embodies a quiet elegance and has a subtle complexity that makes every sip enjoyable.

Trebbiano

• Notable Regions: Central Italy, Abruzzo
• Taste & Structure: This wine is straightforward and crisp, with subtle notes of citrus, green apple, and almond. It has high acidity and a light body. 
• Food Pairing: Pizza bianca, grilled vegetables, simple pasta

Trebbiano is one of Italy’s beloved workhorse grapes, known for its crispness, neutrality and wonderful compatibility with a variety of dishes. You can expect citrus peel notes, white flowers, and almond skin when you taste it. While it may not be the most showy option, it shines with its honesty and reliably delivers the perfect flavour for those relaxed, food-friendly moments.

Moscato

• Notable Regions: Piedmont (Italy), Australia, California (USA)
• Taste & Structure: Light, sweet, and gently sparkling with flavours of orange blossom, peach, and honey. Low alcohol and super approachable.
• Food Pairing: Fruit tarts, brunch pastries, spicy stir-fries

Moscato is a blend of sweetness and fizz, making it pure fun in a glass! Bursting with peach, orange blossom, and honeysuckle flavours, it has a low alcohol content, perfect for casual sipping or enjoying alongside spicy dishes and fruity desserts. Its light body and soft, perfumed finish make it a playful dessert wine that knows how to keep things lighthearted.

How to Choose the Right White Wine for Your Palate

Choosing white wine can be a delightful experience, especially when you know what to look for! The secret is tuning into your preferences and finding a perfect match with the wine’s style. Are you drawn to crisp and refreshing or rich and creamy? Do zesty citrus flavours make you smile, or do soft floral notes fill you with joy?

Here’s a handy guide to help you find the ideal white for your taste:

• If you enjoy tangy, refreshing flavours, go for Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, or Grüner Veltliner; these wines are high-acid, citrusy, and incredibly crisp.
• If you're leaning toward something rounder and smoother, try a Chardonnay (especially if it's oaked), Viognier, or Semillon for more body and richness.
• Are you a fan of aromatic and floral notes? Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Torrontés will delight you with their fragrant, fruity, and sometimes slightly sweet profiles.
• If you're looking for something light and easy, Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, or Muscadet are perfect choices for clean, uncomplicated sipping.

Remember, there's no "right" or "wrong" here! The best white wine for you is simply the one that makes you crave a second glass. So, don’t hesitate to explore a few styles, jot down your favourites and enjoy this journey! Also remember, your taste in wine might change over the years, too and what you used to enjoy, might not be your jam anymore. 

Not Sure Which White Wine You'll Love? Canned Wine Makes It Easy to Explore

Getting into white wine can initially feel overwhelming and that's completely understandable! With so many styles available, knowing which one you’ll enjoy can be hard. Plus, no one wants to open a whole bottle and realise it’s not their thing, right?

That’s exactly where canned white wine shines!

Canned wine provides a fun, low-pressure, no-waste way to explore various wine types without the commitment of a whole bottle. Whether you’re beginning your wine journey or still trying to figure out if you lean more towards “zesty citrus” or “silky and floral,” a single-serve can lets you taste something new and easily move on if it’s not a match.

Here’s why canned wine is a fantastic option for discovering your white wine style:

• Single-serve portions mean you’re never stuck with an entire bottle.
• Mix-and-match options allow you to sample different varieties side by side.
• Portable and eco-friendly, making it perfect for casual sipping wherever you are.
• Same great quality, just easier to enjoy and no corkscrew needed!

So, if you're ready to taste your way through the delightful world of white wine, why not start small?

Browse our curated selection of premium canned white wines, and find your new favourite, one can at a time!  🛒 Explore Canned White Wines!

Conclusion

From crisp and citrusy to rich and floral, white wine is sure to cater to every palate out there! If you're unsure about which flavour suits your taste, why not try canned white wine? It's a no-fuss way to explore different options without the commitment of a full bottle. Plus, it’s simple, low-waste and better for the environment!

Start your tasting adventure and discover our premium canned white wines today!

FAQ

1. What type of white wine is best?

Choosing the best white wine comes down to what you enjoy! If you like something crisp and citrusy, you might want to give Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño a try. Chardonnay or Viognier could be the right fit for a fuller and smoother experience. If you're drawn to floral and fruity notes, then Riesling or Gewürztraminer could be perfect! And if you're still figuring it out, canned white wine is a fun way to explore different flavours without committing to a whole bottle.

2. What is a dry white wine?

A dry white wine has a crisp taste with minimal sugar content, rather than sweetness. Some popular styles to explore include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Muscadet. These wines are refreshing and pair wonderfully with a variety of light dishes. If you're looking to sample different dry wines without waste, canned options are a fantastic way to enjoy them in smaller portions!

3. What is a sweet white wine?

Sweet white wine does what it says on the tin. It typically has a bit more residual sugar, giving it a fruity and smooth flavour profile that many enjoy. You might come across charming varieties like Moscato, Ice Wine, and Late Harvest. Riesling pairs wonderfully with desserts, spicy dishes or even cheese. Canned sweet wines make trying different options without a whole bottle super convenient!