A green-skinned grape variety used to make white wine. It is believed to have originated in the Burgundy wine region of eastern France but is now grown wherever wine is produced, from England to New Zealand. The Chardonnay grape itself is very neutral, with many of the flavors commonly associated with the grape being derived from such influences as terroir and oak. Chardonnay is an important component of many sparkling wines including Champagne. It is one of the most widely-planted grape varieties, with over 400,000 acres worldwide, second only to Airén among white wine grapes and planted in more wine regions than any other grape – including Cabernet Sauvignon.



A white grape variety which originates in the Rhine region of Germany. It is an aromatic grape variety displaying flowery, almost perfumed, aromas as well as high acidity. It is used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling white wines. Riesling wines are usually varietally pure and are seldom oaked. As of 2004, Riesling was estimated to be the world's 20th most grown variety at 120,000 acres, but in terms of importance for quality wines, it is usually included in the "top three" white wine varieties together with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Riesling is a variety which is highly "terroir-expressive", meaning that the character of Riesling wines is clearly influenced by the wine's place of origin.

A little-known variety considered a Russian variety but whose origins were probably on the border between Armenia and Turkey near Mt. Ararat. It is widely grown in the countries of the former Soviet Union, particularly Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova. Rkatsiteli is know for having a touch of spiciness, similar to but different from Gewurztraminer. It is relatively high in acid with high sugar levels; its vines are winter hardy, making it a desirable variety for cool or cold regions. Rkatsiteli is widely grown in Bulgaria and Rumania. Small quantities of the variety are grown in the Finger Lakes Region.

An aromatic wine grape variety that performs best in cooler climates. It is sometimes referred to colloquially as Gewürz. Gewürztraminer is a variety with a pink to red skin colour, which makes it a white wine grape in difference to the blue- to black-skinned varieties commonly referred to as "red wine grapes". The variety has high natural sugar and the wines are white and usually off-dry, with a flamboyant bouquet of lychees. Dry Gewürztraminers may also have aromas of roses, passion fruit and floral notes. It is not uncommon to notice some spritz (fine bubbles on the inside of the glass).



A white wine grape that is a member of the Muscat family of Vitis vinifera. It is most notable for its use in dessert wines from Austria and Croatia as well as dry wines from Alsace and Hungary. In Alsace, the varietal designation "Muscat" is allowed for the varieties Muscat Ottonel, Muscat blanc à petit grains and Muscat blanc à petit grains in any combination (but not for other members of the Muscat family), and blends between these are common. First cultivated in Alsace by the Loire grower Moreau-Robert in 1852, the grape's parentage is believed to be the Muscat de Saumur and Chasselas

Called Pinot Grigio in Italy, it is a widely planted grape that makes soft wine with body and color and a mildly perfumed bouquet. Pinot Gris is one of the best-known mutations of Pinot Noir. Its leaves are identical to Pinot Noir leaves, and the appearance of the berries is similar to Pinot Noir berries late in the growing season. Pinot Gris wine is made with a wide range of sweetness. It is a popular wine in Alsace, where it is a dry wine that is not overpowered by hearty food. It is called Tokay in Alsace. In some growing regions, it is low in acidity.

The most widely grown variety in New York State. This red-grape variety is principally grown for juice and jelly. Its dominant foxy, grapey taste makes it unsuitable for wine, and its powerful aroma makes it undesirable for blending. The vine is hardy, vigorous, productive, and disease-resistant. Concord ripens in midseason. It is occasionally used in making port or sherry.



The vine is healthy, vigorous, winter hardy, and moderately productive. This white-grape variety ripens early. The juice tends to be low in sugar and high in acid, giving the resulting wine a sharp aroma and a hard flavor. It is frequently used for blending.



Is hardy, vigorous, productive, and disease-resistant. The variety has deep-red color and ripens in midseason. The wine has a strong foxy flavor that makes it too highly flavored and heavy for producing a varietal wine. It is used mainly for blending.