There are quite a few factors which affect the aroma and flavor of wine, but the most important are the grapes which go into producing them. Different types of grapes are used in making different types of wines. One of the more popular types of wines is the range of white wines. White wines grapes come in many forms and can, somewhat surprisingly, include red grapes as well. That’s because white wines can be made from either the juice and skin of lighter colored varieties or just the juice from selected red grapes.

There are a number of white wine grapes in existence but there only a few that have achieved worldwide recognition. This can, in part, be attributed to the practice of putting the name of the grape used on the wine bottle. Three of the most popular types are described below.

1.      Chardonnay

Chardonnay grapes traditionally called the French regions of Burgundy and Champagne home. Nowadays, there are vineyards which grow these white wine grapes in many countries including South America, Australia and New Zealand. This is due, in part, to the great ability of the wines to take up the flavors of the oak caskets they are stored in. Another reason for the mass appeal of Chardonnay grapes is the fact that they are very versatile and can adapt well to a wide range of climates. These white wine grapes are also quite high yielding so a fairly small number of vines can produce a large amount of fruit…always a good thing to a grape farmer.

As already mentioned, wines made from Chardonnay grapes are quite adept at absorbing the flavor of oak, and this flavor varies as the oak ages. In fact, the array of flavors in these wines can be attributed not only to differences in the grape varieties but also how much of this oak flavor has been taken up. If it’s a lot then the wines may show hints of vanilla, toast or spice. If the flavors are based more on the grapes then the wines may exhibit hints of melons, pineapples, apples or lemons.

2. Sauvignon Blanc

A native of the Loire Valley and Bordeaux regions of France, these white wines grapes have become quite popular in other areas such as New Zealand. In fact that country’s name on the wine producing map is probably there because of Sauvignon Blanc grapes. In France they are better known as the main ingredient in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. They are also used in the production of Sauternes, the regional dessert wine.

Typically, these white wine grapes are used to produce dry wines. The imparted flavors tend to be more on the earthy side and can include cut grass, minerals and some tropical fruits. While the idea of getting a cut grass flavor might not seem too appetizing, you need to taste these wines for yourself to know how good they really are. Sauvignon Blanc grapes are not too difficult to grow but they do have a susceptibility to botrytis infections.

3. Riesling

It’s easy to get confused and think that all great grapes come from France. After all, a large number of great wines come from that country. However, Germany has the distinction of being the home of Riesling grapes. The variety has also found favor in countries such as Australia and New Zealand. German white wines fell out of favor a bit because of the introduction of sub-standard concoction from some of the biggest wine making names. However, there is no mistaking a genuine Riesling wine.

These white wine grapes typically impart a wide range of flavors. This can include the expected fruity flavors of apples, limes and other tropical fruits. However, it is also possible to get flowery aromas and flavors as well as more earthy tones of slate and minerals.

There are, of course, other varieties of white wine grapes and the wines they produce are of quite high quality. However, the flavors imparted by the three varieties outlines above can be thought of as incomparable.

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