Know Your White Wine Varietals: The 2024 Hot List

If you enjoy wine, you’ve probably noticed many wines use the names of the grape variety to distinguish the wine. This usually means that 75-100% of the wine inside came from one varietal or cultivar.

Each grape variety is distinguished by unique characteristics; no two varietals are identical in aromas, flavor, texture, or color. The shape of the leaves and the grapes give each variety its unique characteristics. Studying this is called ampelography. Thus drinking varietals wines (rather than blends) can be a great way to learn wine grape characteristics.

Wine Fashion

Fashions change very year, in the world of wine as elsewhere, and while you may have heard of the white wine variety Chardonnay, have you heard of Godello? Do you know what a Gewurztraminer tastes like? Which white wines are likely to be completely dry yet still fruity? And which varietals are commonly produced in a sweeter style?

White Wine Defined

And, to really get down to essentials, what is a white wine?

The colors will range from greenish-yellow to golden yellow. White wine can be produced with both white and red grapes. When made from red grapes, white wine does not turn red because the must is not allowed to have contact with the grape skins, where the natural colorants (phenolic compounds) are present. So, the steps for making red and white wines differ substantially. To learn more and red and white wines, including the differences in how they’re made, consider taking a virtual wine class from the comfort of home.

Sweetness and Fruitiness: The Secrets of White Wine

Understanding the differences between white wine grape varieties will enhance your tasting experience, especially when distinguishing between sweet and dry wine varietals and styles.

Sweet White Wines

Sweet white wines are often produced from grapes harvested late in the season, allowing them more time to develop sugars and lose acidity. Common grape varieties for sweet wines include Moscato, Riesling, and Sémillon.

Sweet wines often exhibit pronounced fruity or floral aromas, while dry wines tend to have herbal, spicy, and woody notes. However, some dry wines can also have fruity aromas, so consider the overall aromatic profile.

A sweet white wine will typically have a thicker consistency because of their higher sugar content, whereas dry wines feel lighter, even sprightly, on the palate.

Dry White Wines

Dry white wines by definition contain very little residual sugar; they may still be very fruity, or they may taste like minerals, such as many wines from Chablis. Popular examples include Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Chardonnay comes in various styles influenced by aging in wood or steel, which impart different aromas and flavors. It’s a winemaker’s grape: very malleable in style. Among the driest white options are Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, known for their quality and affordability.

Popular White Wine Grape Varieties: The Perennial Favorites

There are thousands of grape varieties, and in terms of wines, we can distinguish those used to make white and red wines. Sometimes, black grapes are used to make white wines: think of blanc de noirs Champagne or “white Malbec,” a white wine made from very black Malbec grapes.

The most well-known white wine grapes include:

• Sauvignon Blanc

• Chardonnay

• Riesling

If the world of wine is still new to you, start by trying smooth-flavored white wines like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Next, compare these with some white wines from the 2024 Hot List below.

What is Chardonnay Wine Like?

Among white wine grapes, Chardonnay is the most widely used varietals worldwide. This grape has a particular natural acidity, so its wines require adjustments during fermentation to soften and achieve more silky notes. It can produce elegant wines.

The variety originated in Burgundy and is the white queen of French Champagne. The style of Chardonnay varies according to climate and production methods. Its creamy style and full body make it the ideal grape for barrel aging.

Owing to its fermentation process, it has a creamy and light aftertaste, often associated with caramel and butter.

Among white wines, Chardonnay stands out for its fruity flavors of green apple, pineapple, lemon, and celery, rounded out with a sweet finish with notes of coconut or caramel. It can be found in both sweet and dry styles.

What is Riesling Wine Like?

Wines made from Riesling grapes have a sharp profile, fresh and highly acidic, regardless of whether they are sweet or dry. You may perceive notes of honey, lime, green apples, apricot, and earthy minerals. Riesling originates from Germany and has become well established in Austria and France.

Acidity and delicacy are two words that define wines made with Riesling. Moreover, they tend to be drier and deeper as they age in the bottle, as the Riesling grape matures quickly without developing very complex flavors.

What is Sauvignon Blanc Wine Like?

After Chardonnay, this is the finest variety among French-origin white grapes. Sauvignon Blanc wine is characterized by having one of the highest acidity levels and the most defined fruit and vegetable flavors, including grapefruit, elderflower, fresh-cut grass, green pepper, marjoram, and tomatillo, with a dry finish.

Sauvignon Blanc is notably aromatic and usually makes dry wines. Together with Semillon, it produces great wines in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume. In Spain, it is also renowned and is cultivated in Catalonia and Castile and León.

The younger the wine, the heavier the green and herbal notes will be, regardless of the region of production. The best Sauvignon Blanc wines are those that balance their herbal attributes with their sharp, silky, and intense fruity flavors, with a quick finish.

There’s a lot more to the world of white wine grapes than Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling, however.

Some Other Varietal Favorites

Gewürztraminer

Consider Gewürztraminer, a variety of white grape from the Traminer family. Gewürz means “spiced” or “seasoned” in German, the country from which it originates, although it also grows in Alsace. Its unique character means it is unlike any other grape. It can be made in dry, semi-sweet, and sweet styles, including dessert wines.

Viognier

Another varietal to know is Viognier. It embodies delicacy and complexity, offering wines with a distinctive aroma reminiscent of apricot, jasmine, and honey.

The Hot White Wine Varietal Wines of 2024

So far, we’ve covered the perennial favorites: white wines that you will find even on the most common restaurant wine list. But what is hot in terms of white wine in 2024? Which white varietals are trending right now?

Verdejo

• Verdejo, Spain’s most popular white grape, stands out for its reliable overall quality. Verdejo is indigenous to the Rueda region, known for producing wines that exhibit vibrant acidity, fresh citrus flavors, and often a hint of herbaceousness. Verdejo wines are typically light to medium-bodied, with aromatic profiles that can include notes of lime, green apple, and fennel, making them highly refreshing and versatile.

The best examples of Verdejo wine balance crisp acidity with a slight mineral complexity, often enhanced by a short period of lees aging, which adds depth and texture. This grape thrives in the continental climate of Rueda, where hot days and cool nights help maintain its bright acidity and aromatic intensity.

Viura

• Another Spanish white wine grape is hot right now. Viura or Macabeo produces the most elegant white from Rioja. A good example is the white from Bodegas Muga. This variety’s origins seem to lie in the Ebro River basin. Its great aging capacity has made Viura essential in Rioja, home to long barrel aging, and in Catalonia, where Macabeo adds structure to Cavas, allowing them to age for years without losing freshness.

Roussanne

• Roussanne is a trending white grape variety primarily found in the Rhône Valley of France, valued for its role in blends as well as for single-varietal wines. Roussanne grapes produce wines with a distinctive profile characterized by rich, full-bodied textures and complex aromatics. The wines typically exhibit flavors of pear, apricot, and honey, often accompanied by herbal and floral notes such as chamomile and wildflowers.

Roussanne wines have a notable aging potential owing to their balanced acidity and structure. This develops into deeper, more nuanced flavors over time. The variety is particularly well-suited to the warm, sunny climates of the Rhône, where it contributes to celebrated white blends, such Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Hermitage.

Albariño

• Back to Spain with Albariño. This grape represents the vinous power of Galicia. It offers fruity aromas such as apricot or citrus, floral notes like jasmine, as well as balsamic and spicy touches. Particularly celebrated in the Rías Baixas DO, this grape thrives in the cool, coastal climate, producing wines that are crisp, aromatic, and vibrant.

These wines often have a slightly saline, mineral quality, reflecting the maritime influence of their growing region. The wines are typically light to medium-bodied, with a clean, zesty finish, making them excellent partners for seafood and light dishes.

Torrontés

• Now to South America. Torrontés is predominantly grown in Argentina, where it has become the nation’s signature varietal. Torrontés wines are celebrated for their aromatic intensity and vibrant, floral bouquet.

These wines typically feature pronounced aromas of jasmine, rose petals, and even orange blossoms and ripe pineapple, complemented by notes of peach, pear, and citrus. On the palate, Torrontés wines are generally light to medium-bodied with a bright acidity that balances their aromatic richness, resulting in a crisp and refreshing finish.

The best examples come from high-altitude vineyards in regions like Salta, where the cool nights and sunny days help preserve the grape’s acidity and enhance its aromatic profile. Winemakers are increasingly experimenting with barrel ageing.

Godello

•  Finally, another hot variety right now is Godello, common to Spanish D.O. regions like Bierzo and Valdeorras. This grape produces wines with elegance and complexity, often compared to Chardonnay owing to their ability to express terroir and age well. Godello wines typically exhibit a balanced profile with vibrant acidity and a rich, rounded mouthfeel (like Chardonnay). Flavor profiles often include green apple, pear, and citrus, with subtle hints of stone fruits, herbs, and minerals.

The wines can show a creamy texture, especially when aged on lees, which adds depth and complexity. Godello’s versatility allows it to produce both fresh, young wines and more structured, oak-aged versions, making it a rising star in the world of white wines.

As you explore the vast world of white wine, you’ll discover an array of flavors, aromas, and textures that cater to every palate. Whether you prefer the crisp acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc, the aromatic intensity of a Torrontés, or the elegant complexity of a Godello, there is always something new and exciting to experience.

By familiarizing yourself with both perennial favorites and the hot varietals of 2024, then taking a wine class to extend your knowledge, you will enhance your appreciation of white wines and confidently navigate wine lists and tastings.