A White Grape Isn't Just a White Grape! A White Grape Isn't Just a White Grape! With so many different types of wine on the market, it's often hard to know whether you'd like a specific wine or not. Even experienced wine collectors can sometimes have trouble distinguishing one wine from another. Many people even think that all white wines are simply made from white grapes and the different flavors come from different additives.

The truth is that there are numerous varieties of white grapes and they each have their own distinctive flavor. Each one is very unique in flavor and aroma. With so many different varieties of white grapes, it's easy to get confused about which ones you prefer. The types of grapes below are just a few of the most popular white grapes that are used for wine.

Chardonnay Grapes

Chardonnay is perhaps the most commonly used white grape. It comes in various sizes and shapes and is cultivated all around the world. Because this grape will grow in virtually any soil, both the flavor and the aroma can vary greatly. Soil in the Northern hemisphere produces grapes that have flavors that range from a slight citrus to a full citrus and from sweetly spicy to nutty.

Semillon Grapes

Semillon grapes are native to France, but the majority of these grapes are grown in Australia. The wines made from these white grapes are often described as lacking a youthful aroma yet full bodied and low in acidity. Because of these characteristics they are perfect when used as a blending grape. However, semillon grapes make a good wine even when they are used alone. Wines with these grapes are best drank after they've aged a few years.

Muscat Grapes

The Muscat grape is one of the hardest grapes to describe as far as taste. Because they are grown several different regions including Italy, Australia and Spain, their flavors and aromas vary greatly. In one Muscat wine you may taste or smell hints of flowers, pears or even apples. While in another wine you may sense coffee or chocolate.

Sauvignon Blanc Grapes

Wines made with Sauvignon Blanc grapes are generally wines that you either really love or hate. They produce a flovor similar to mineral water that is crisp which makes them a perfect choice to accompany food. The aromas have been described as resembling mint, freshly cut grass, passion fruit, asparagus and even basil.

Chenin Blanc Grapes

These grapes have a high level of natural acidity and the ability to resist the botrytis mold which drains the grapes of their water. These two features make this a very versatile white grape that is used in various types of wines such as sweet, fizzy and dry. The flavor is often compared to the flavor of a Sauvignon Blanc, gooseberries, herbs and green apples. Although most people believe that white wines are best during the first few years, wines made with Chenin Blanc grapes actually have a much better flavor when the wine is ten to fifteen years old.

Gewurztraminer Grapes

This grape is low in acidity, flamboyantly bold and they have a long lasting flavor. The flavors and aromas of the Gewurztramine grape range from cinnamon to ginger and from rose to lychee. These grapes make rich wines that provide weight when flowing over the palate. They're great wines to accompany foods that are sweet and tangy, or mildly spicy.

Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio Grapes

Whether it's called Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio, technically it's the same grape. Pinot Gris are generally grown in France and are described as fresh, light and delicate. The flavors are often rich which results from the wine being stored in wooden barrels. Pinot Grigio grapes are commonly grown in Italy. These grapes are stored in steel tanks and are best drank when the wine is still young and vibrant.

Riesling Grapes

Riesling grapes have only recently started to be appreciated for their contribution to wine. Historically grown in Germany, in recent years, Riesling wines have became a popular wine to accompany Asian foods and seafoods. These grapes have aromas of spices, flowers and citrus, while the flavors are similar to minerals and lemons. These wines age very well and are excellent even when the bottle is 20 years old.