I’ve been thinking recently about the types of questions novice wine drinkers ask — and people sure seem to love a numbered list (as do I, to be fair). So here’s another article in my beginners’ series. (Note to self: set up a Beginners’ Series category).
And we’re really going back to basics here with my list of the top five most famous white wines. Of course, “fame” is not a strictly quantifiable concept, so be mindful that this is a subjective list. It’s my opinion, based on my own experience, of which are the most widely known, drunk and discussed white wines.
If some kind of super-smart AI could compile a definitive list, it might differ slightly from mine, who knows. But I think I’ve done a pretty good job. As ever, feel free to set me straight in comments. Anyway, drum roll please…
5. Chenin Blanc
Most famously known as a South African variety, Chenin Blanc (as the name suggests) originated in France and is also widely produced in California.
It’s a versatile grape and can be sweet, semi-sweet or dry, with light fruit and honey flavours. Some cheaper brands can be quite bland but, as with any grape variety, there are lots of decent examples out there too.
4. Riesling
A personal favourite of mine, Riesling can also range from very sweet dessert wine to totally dry (always check the label, folks. In German, Grosses Gewächs or Trocken indicates a dry wine).
German in origin, Riesling’s flavour is extremely distinctive and I’ve read it described as a mix of rubber, petrol and lime. The grape’s reputation was tarnished during the 80s by an influx of truly horrible, cheap, sweet brands. But don’t let all that put you off. Decent Riesling (which you have to pay a bit more for) is a taste definitely worth acquiring and is held in high esteem by all the top sommeliers, restaurateurs and wine snobs.
3. Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
Although different in both name and flavour, the Pinot siblings are in fact the same grape variety. And while they’re both light, refreshing and easy-drinking, the Italian version, Pinot Grigio, is somewhat more… dare I say… boring. Whereas French, Austrian or British Pinot Gris is more fruity and flavourful and tends to be excellent value for money…
Which is why it won top place on the podium in my coveted “award” for the Best White Wines For Beginners.
2. Sauvignon Blanc
We’re into the really big guns now. Everyone’s tried Sauv Blanc, right? But most people don’t know about the huge variety of styles and quality available: from the elegant (and expensive) Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé from France, to the popular but divisive (well… I’m not a big fan, anyway), gooseberry-fuelled Sauv Blancs of Marlborough in New Zealand. And let’s not forget California, which also produces some really great examples of the grape.
With herby citrus and stone fruit notes, it’s got wide-ranging appeal. A wine not to be underestimated.
1. Chardonnay
So, while the positions of the other grapes on this list (well, 3-5 anyway) could be up for debate, there’s no doubting the number one. The undisputed leader of the top five most famous white wines is Chardonnay.
And, as with Sauvignon Blanc (perhaps even more so), Chardonnay is an extremely widely grown and versatile grape. Found all over the world, its flavours range from sharp minerality (as in French Chablis) to creamy, oak-aged, apple pie flavours, as found in some Californian examples.
If you’re after a good value Chardonnay, Chile produces some excellent ones at lower price points. Don’t go too low though… very cheap Chardonnay is never a good idea and is a hangover waiting to happen.
For a deeper dive into Chardonnay, see my article titles What You Need To Know About Chardonnay.
