REVIEW OF KEY GRAPES TO KNOW FOR WSET LEVEL 2 - WHITE WINE GRAPES

Understanding grape varieties is fundamental to appreciating and evaluating wines, especially as you embark on your WSET wine studies. Whether you're a budding enthusiast or pursuing formal wine education like WSET Level 2, mastering the characteristics of key grape varieties lays a solid foundation for exploring the world of wine. Here are 8 of the key white wine grapes you’ll encounter.

You’ll do well if you know these grapes back to front! Below you’ll find a summary of some of the important grapes to know, how they typically taste, key regions, and some producers to be aware of.

White Grape Varieties

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is white wine royalty, celebrated for its versatility and ability to reflect its terroir and winemaking techniques. Key regions: France (Chablis, Côte d’Or, Mâconnais in Burgundy, Languedoc-Roussillon), California (Los Carneros, Sonoma, Napa, Santa Barbara County) and Oregon, USA, New Zealand (Hawke’s Bay, Mrlborough), Chile (Casablanca Valley, Central Valley), and South Africa (Western Cape, Walker Bay). Chardonnay has spread globally, thriving in various climates from cool to warm. Its flavors range from crisp green apple and citrus in cooler regions to ripe tropical fruits and vanilla oak in warmer climates. Classic producers include Domaine Leflaive (Burgundy), Kistler Vineyards (California), and Leeuwin Estate (Australia).

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is prized for its vibrant acidity and distinctive herbaceous aromas. Key regions: France (Loire - Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Touraine - Bordeaux - Graves, Pessac-Léognan - Languedoc-Roussillon), New Zealand (Marlborough), Australia (Margaret River, Adelaide Hills), Chile (Casablanca and Central Valleys), South Africa (Constantia, Elgin), and USA (Napa Valley). Sauvignon Blanc has gained popularity worldwide. Its flavors can vary depending on ripeness ranging from green pepper, gooseberry, grapefruit, to tropical fruits like passion fruit. Classic producers include Cloudy Bay (New Zealand), Château Smith Haut Lafitte (Bordeaux), and François Cotat (Loire).

Riesling

Riesling is celebrated for its aromatic intensity and versatility in producing a range from dry to sweet styles. Key regions: Mosel, Rheingau and Pfalz in Germany, Alsace, France, and Eden/Clare Valleys in Australia. It thrives in cool climates, developing flavors of green apple, pear, lime, and floral notes such as jasmine, and with more ripeness stone and tropical fruit notes. Classic producers include Dr. Loosen (Germany), Domaine Zind-Humbrecht (Alsace), and Grosset Wines (Australia).

Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris

Pinot Grigio (Italy) or Pinot Gris (France) is known for its crisp acidity and light to medium-bodied style, and flavors that range from pear and lemon to stone fruit and tropical notes of mango and banana. Key regions: NE Italy, Alsace, France. Classic producers include Santa Margherita (Italy), Trimbach (Alsace), and King Estate (Oregon, USA).

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is known for its versatility in producing dry, sweet, and sparkling wines. It exhibits flavors of lemon and apple, ranging to stone fruit, honey, and pineapple, with high acidity that lends itself well to aging, and has susceptibility to noble rot. Key regions: Vouvray, France, and Western Cape, South Africa. Classic producers include Domaine Huet (Vouvray), and Domaine Aux Moines (Savennieres).

Albariño

Albariño is prized for its high acidity. Key region: Rías Baixas, Spain. It displays flavors of citrus (grapefruit), peach, and apricot, and is usually dry with medium body and is sometimes made with lees contact. Classic producers include Bodegas Martín Códax (Rías Baixas), and Terras Gauda (Rías Baixas).

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer (key region Alsace, France) is known for its highly aromatic profile and floral, stone fruit and lychee flavors. It often exhibits pronounced notes of rose petals, spice, and tropical fruits, with a rich full bodied texture and low to medium acidity. Classic producers include Trimbach (Alsace), Hugel & Fils (Alsace), and Alois Lageder (Alto Adige, Italy).

Sémillon/Semillon

Semillon is known for its versatility in producing a range of styles from dry to sweet wines. Key regions: Bordeaux, France (including Sauternes) and Australia (Hunter and Barossa Valleys). It is spelled Sémillon in France. Semillon is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc, where it adds body and ageability to the blend. It also shines in sweet wines from regions like Sauternes. Classic producers include Château d'Yquem (Sauternes), Tyrrell's Wines (Hunter Valley, Australia), and Cape Mentelle (Margaret River, Australia).

I hope you enjoyed this summary of white wine grapes for WSET Level 2 students. Let me know if you’re interested in a blog on red wine grapes.