Types of White Wine: A Guide for Fine Wine Collectors

The types of white wine divide by grape variety, region of origin, and style, such as sweetness. For those who acquire and hold fine wine, understanding these classifications is key to managing a cellar. Key examples include the Chardonnay and Aligoté grapes, which dominate white wine production in Burgundy. The sweet Sauternes and Barsac wines of Bordeaux represent another distinct type. The 1855 Classification ranks them from superior first growth to second growth. Beyond these, a diverse array of other white grape varieties grows globally. Each contributes unique characteristics. Regional classifications, like the tiered system in Burgundy, further refine these types. They often indicate specific quality levels and aging potential that inform a wine's trajectory in the cellar.

What are the primary white wine grape varieties?

White wines are made from a wide array of grape varieties. Each contributes distinct characteristics to the resulting wine. The OIV's "international-standard-for-the-labelling-of-wines" notes that the varietal name is an optional piece of information on a wine label.

Chardonnay is a prominent white grape variety, notably the most common white grape in Burgundy, France. Another white grape found in Burgundy is Aligoté, which tends to produce wines higher in acidity. It traditionally goes into the Kir drink, mixed with black currant liqueur. Sauvignon Blanc is also grown in the Saint Bris appellation of Burgundy.

Beyond these, the "List of grape varieties" on we detail numerous other white grape varieties, including:

• Airén: A Spanish grape, with 252,000 hectares cultivated in 2010.
• Albana: An Italian grape, first mentioned in the 13th century.
• Albariño: A Spanish grape, also known as Alvarinho.
• Assyrtiko: A Greek grape, found on Santorini.
• Bacchus: A German grape, a cross of Silvaner, Riesling, and Müller-Thurgau, introduced in 1933.
• Catarratto: An Italian grape, primarily from Sicily.
• Chasselas: A French grape, also known as Fendant or Gutedel.
• Chenin Blanc: A French grape, particularly from the Loire Valley.
• Glera: An Italian grape, primarily from Veneto.
• Macabeo: A Spanish grape.
• Müller-Thurgau: A German grape, a cross of Riesling and Madeleine Royale.
• Pinot Blanc: A French grape, also known as Weissburgunder.
• Pinot Gris: A French grape, also known as Grauburgunder.
• Riesling: A German grape, known for its aromatic qualities.
• Sémillon: A French grape, often used in sweet wines.
• Silvaner: A German grape.
• Trebbiano: An Italian grape, also known as Ugni Blanc in France.

This diversity in grape varieties means that you can explore a broad spectrum of flavors and textures. They run from crisp and aromatic to rich and full-bodied. Understanding these varietal characteristics can inform your decisions. That helps when considering new acquisitions for your cellar or planning a tasting.

How do regional classifications define white wine types?

Regional classifications provide a framework for understanding white wines. They often indicate specific quality levels, production methods, and aging potential. These systems are particularly important in Old World wine regions like France. The OIV's "international-standard-for-the-labelling-of-wines" lists "Appellation of origin or Geographical indication" as compulsory information on wine labels.

In Bordeaux, France, the "Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855" primarily focused on red wines, but it also classified white wines. The white wines, "then of much less importance than red wine, were limited to the sweet varieties of Sauternes and Barsac and were ranked only from superior first growth to second growth,". Château d'Yquem, from Sauternes, was designated as a Superior First Growth. Other First Growths for white wines include Château La Tour Blanche and Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, both from Sauternes. Château Coutet and Château Climens come from Barsac. This classification highlights that certain regions are historically renowned for particular styles. Sweet white wines in Sauternes and Barsac are the clearest example.

Burgundy, France, employs a highly terroir-oriented classification system. It pays "immense attention" to the area of origin and the region's 400 types of soil. In Bordeaux, classifications are producer-driven. Burgundy classifications are geographically focused instead, so a specific vineyard or region bears a given classification regardless of the producer. Wine labels reflect that focus, with appellations most prominent.

What is the Burgundy wine classification for white wines?

Burgundy's classification system for white wines has four quality categories. In descending order they run Grand Cru, Premier Cru, village appellations, and regional appellations. White varieties account for 59.5% of Burgundy's total grape production. Chardonnay and Aligoté are the primary white grapes.

The Côte de Beaune subregion is home to "all but one of the region's white Grand Cru wines,". Musigny blanc is the exception.

Here is a breakdown of the Burgundy white wine classifications:

| Classification Level | Production Percentage | Yield (hl/ha) | Aging Recommendation | Labeling Example | |:------------------- |:-------------------- |:------------ |:------------------- |:--- to the Burgundy classification system, where white wines make up 59.5% of production, and red wines 33.8%.

Grand Cru Wines

Grand Cru wines represent the highest quality level in Burgundy. They come from a small number of the best vineyard sites in the Côte d'Or region. The AOC laws define those sites strictly. Grand Cru wines make up 2% of Burgundy's total production, with a yield of 35 hectoliters per hectare (hl/ha). They are generally produced in a style meant for cellaring. They typically need a minimum of five to seven years of age. The best examples keep for more than 15 years. On the label, Grand Cru wines list only the vineyard name as the appellation, such as "Corton" or "Montrachet," along with the "Grand Cru" term. They do not carry the village name. For example, you can explore the characteristics of white Burgundy grand crus and Prädikat Rieslings.

Premier Cru Wines

Premier Cru wines come from specific vineyard sites of high quality. They are not as highly regarded as the Grand Cru sites. These wines account for 12% of production, with a yield of 45 hl/ha. Premier Cru wines often should be aged three to five years. The best examples can keep for much longer. Labels for Premier Cru wines include the village of origin and the Premier Cru status. They usually add the vineyard name, such as "Volnay 1er Cru Les Caillerets." Some Premier Cru wines are blends from several Premier Cru vineyards in the same village. Those do not carry an individual vineyard name.

Village Appellation Wines

Village appellation wines come from a blend of wines from lesser vineyard sites within the boundaries of one of 42 villages. They can also come from an individual but unclassified vineyard. Wines from each village are considered to have their own specific qualities and characteristics. Not all Burgundy communes have a village appellation. Village wines make up 36% of production, with a yield of 50 hl/ha. These wines typically drink well two to four years after the release date. Some examples will keep for longer. Labels show the village name, such as "Pommard," and sometimes the name of the single vineyard or climat if applicable.

Regional Appellation Wines

Regional appellation wines come from the entire Burgundy region, or from an area significantly larger than an individual village. These wines may be produced at 55 hl/ha. They are typically intended for immediate consumption, within three years after the vintage date. This category includes:

• AOC Bourgogne: The standard or "generic" appellation for red or white wines made anywhere throughout the region. It represents simpler wines similar to village wines.
• Subregional appellations: These cover a part of Burgundy larger than a village. Examples are Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, and Mâcon-Villages. Communes without a village appellation typically have access to at least one subregional appellation.
• Wines of specific styles or other grape varieties: This includes white Bourgogne Aligoté, made primarily with the Aligoté grape. Sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne also falls here.

Some collectors are looking to expand their cellar. Understanding these classifications is essential for informed decisions about fine wine investment and how to store wine to maximize its potential.

Are there other classifications for white wines?

Beyond the structured regional classifications, sweetness level also categorizes white wines. That is a key factor for many collectors. The white wines classified were "limited to the sweet varieties of Sauternes and Barsac." These regions are renowned for producing lusciously sweet wines. Those differ in character and aging potential from their dry counterparts.

The OIV's "international-standard-for-the-labelling-of-wines" also lists "Type of wine" as optional information for a label. This can include descriptors related to sweetness or other stylistic elements.

Consider wines for your cellar, whether for immediate enjoyment or long-term holding. Knowing the "type of wine" and its regional classification helps you predict its evolution. For example, a young regional white Burgundy might be ready to drink now. A Grand Cru white Burgundy will benefit from significant cellar time. Understanding the nuances of these classifications is a valuable tool for any serious collector.

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