A Brief Guide to White Wine
Types of White Wine
White wine comes in a huge range of styles, from light and crisp to rich and creamy, as well as aromatic and sweet white wine styles.
In this guide, we explain the main types of white wine, the most popular white wine types, and how to choose a good white wine based on taste, food and occasion.
If you are exploring types of white wines to drink, looking for a nice white wine, or planning to buy white wine, this guide will help you understand the best options for you.
What is white wine?
White wine is made mainly from green or yellow-skinned grapes, although some white wines are made from red grapes with minimal skin contact.
White wines are known for freshness, fruit character and versatility with food. From dry, mineral styles through to sweet white wines, there is a white wine style for almost every taste and occasion.
Popular white wine types
Some of the most popular white wine types include:
Sauvignon Blanc – crisp, citrus and fresh
Chardonnay – from fresh and mineral to rich and creamy
Pinot Grigio – light, clean and refreshing
Riesling – aromatic, from dry to sweet white wine styles
Chenin Blanc – versatile, dry through to sweet white wine
Albariño – coastal freshness and citrus fruit
Viognier – rich, perfumed and textured
Gewürztraminer – aromatic, spicy and often off-dry
These are some of the most common white wine types people choose when starting to explore wine.
Types of White Wine by Style
Dry and Crisp White Wines
These are refreshing wines with high acidity and clean fruit flavours. Common grapes include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Albariño. These wines pair well with seafood, salads and light pasta dishes.
Rich and Creamy White Wines
These wines have more body and texture, often from oak ageing. Common grapes include Chardonnay, Viognier and Semillon. These wines pair well with roast chicken, creamy pasta and richer fish dishes.
Aromatic White Wines
These wines focus on aroma and flavour intensity. Common grapes include Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Chenin Blanc. These wines pair well with Asian dishes, lightly spiced food and seafood.
Sweet White Wine
Sweet white wine types range from lightly sweet everyday wines to the sweetest white wine styles such as Sauternes or ice wine. These wines pair well with desserts, blue cheese and fruit-based dishes.
Most Popular White Wine Grape Varieties
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular white wine types for people who like crisp, refreshing wines. Expect citrus, gooseberry and green apple flavours.
Chardonnay is one of the most versatile white wine types. It can be light and mineral or rich and creamy depending on where and how it is made.
Riesling can produce both dry wines and some of the sweetest white wine styles in the world, always balanced by fresh acidity.
Chenin Blanc can produce everything from dry white wines to complex sweet white wine styles.
Pinot Grigio is often seen as a good white wine choice for easy drinking and social occasions.
Viognier produces rich, aromatic wines with peach and apricot flavours.
Albariño
Albariño is a bright, coastal style known for freshness and citrus fruit.
How to Choose a Good White Wine
Choosing a good white wine depends on taste preference.
If you like crisp wines, choose Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
If you like richer wines, choose Chardonnay.
If you like aromatic wines, choose Riesling or Gewürztraminer.
Best White Wines and Recommended White Wines
The best white wine is the one you enjoy most.
Many people look for best white wines or recommended white wines when choosing for a dinner party or gift.
Mixed cases can be a good way to try multiple styles if you are unsure.
White Wine FAQs
The best white wine depends on taste preference and occasion.
How do I choose a good white wine?
Start by choosing between dry, aromatic or sweet styles.
What are recommended white wines for beginners?
Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and unoaked Chardonnay are often recommended white wines for beginners.
What are the best white wines for a dinner party?
Balanced, crowd-pleasing wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay are popular choices.
What are the sweetest white wine types?
Late harvest wines, Sauternes and ice wines are among the sweetest white wine types.
What is the sweetest white wine?
Ice wine and botrytised dessert wines are often considered the sweetest white wine styles.
How many calories in glass of white wine?
On average, there are around 120 calories in glass of white wine depending on alcohol level.
Where can I buy white wine online?
You can buy white wine online directly from The Wine Flyer, where you can browse a wide range of white wine types, from crisp everyday styles to premium bottles and mixed cases.
If you are exploring new styles, a mixed case is a great way to discover new favourites before you decide to buy white wine regularly.
Shop Our Top White Wines
We’ve created a helpful list of our top 10 white wines. Or, if you’re keen to try a variety of styles, explore our curated white wine cases, featuring bottles from renowned regions around the world - and collect Avios as you go.