White Wines: Complete 2025 Guide

How is Vin Blanc produced?

To make vin blanc, the winegrower follows several key steps during the vinification process:

• Pressing: Typically, the grapes are pressed directly to separate the juice from the must. The juice is then placed in a vat. However, pressing can also be preceded by destemming, which involves removing the grape stalks before extracting the juice.
• Settling: This stage clarifies the juice, which is initially cloudy and contains residue.
• Alcoholic Fermentation: During this process, the sugars in the juice are transformed into alcohol through the action of yeast.
• Maturation: At this stage, the wine is stabilised and clarified by allowing it to rest for a few weeks in a vat.
• Bottling: The final step involves transferring the wine into bottles.

Additional steps may be included depending on the winegrower’s expectations and the desired outcome.

Types of Vin Blanc

White wines are generally classified based on their residual sugar content:

• Dry white wines: Contain less than 2 grams of sugar per litre.

• Semi-dry white wines: Contain between 2 and 12 grams of sugar per litre.

• Sweet white wines: Contain between 10 and 45 grams of sugar per litre.

• Sweet dessert white wines: Contain more than 45 grams of sugar per litre.

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You can often distinguish a sweet wine from a dry one by its appearance. Sweet wines tend to be more viscous, and when swirled, they form thick, slow-moving ‘legs’ on the glass. Dry white wines are lighter and more transparent, while sweet wines have a golden or orange hue. However, these indicators aren’t foolproof. The best is to taste them!

Chardonnay

Originating from Burgundy (Bourgogne), Chardonnay is one of the most complex white grape varieties. This wine often features flavours of apple, pineapple, and lemon. It pairs beautifully with fish or seafood dishes.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon-based white wines typically strike an excellent balance between acidity and flavour. With its wide aromatic range, this wine appeals to many palates. It pairs wonderfully with poultry and white meat dishes.

Pinot Gris

A cousin of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris produces fresh and light wines with floral aromas. This Alsatian grape variety is often harvested late, which imparts a hint of honey to its flavour profile. It pairs perfectly with seafood and pasta dishes.

Riesling

Primarily produced in Alsace, Riesling is a highly aromatic grape variety. It offers sweet white wines that pair beautifully with Mediterranean or Oriental spicy dishes. When dry, Riesling complements noble fish exceptionally well.

Viognier

With flavours of peach, mandarin orange, and honeysuckle, Viognier is a full-bodied white wine that sometimes has an oily texture. It pairs well with grilled meats and seafood dishes.

Chenin Blanc

Much like Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape variety often used in sparkling or dry wine production. When blended with Viognier or Sémillon, it delivers apple and honey notes with remarkable acidity. Chenin Blanc pairs excellently with sweet-and-savoury dishes.