Many people are familiar with grape varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, but there is a whole world of exciting and distinctive grape varieties waiting to be explored. Albariño, Viognier, and Grüner Veltliner each bring unique characteristics and flavours that set them apart from the usual white wine offerings. Whether it’s Albariño’s refreshing citrus and coastal minerality, Viognier’s lush stone fruit and floral aromas, or Grüner Veltliner’s herbaceous, green profile with a touch of spice, these varietals offer a fresh and captivating experience for those looking to expand their palate. From the sunny vineyards of British Columbia to the warmer regions of California, these wines are making waves as flavourful, food-friendly choices that showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the white wine world. Let’s dive into what makes each of these grapes so special.
Albariño
Albariño is a vibrant and aromatic white wine that brings a refreshing departure from the usual suspects like Chardonnay or Pinot Gris. Originating from Spain’s Rías Baixas region, it is known for its bright acidity, zesty citrus flavours, and notes of green apple and peach. The grape’s hallmark is its subtle minerality, often accompanied by a saline quality that evokes its coastal roots. Albariño is aromatic but not overpowering, with hints of fresh herbs and a floral nose, making it a versatile companion to seafood, particularly oysters or shellfish. In British Columbia, Stag’s Hollow Winery Albarino 2022 from Okanagan Falls is an excellent example, mint on the nose, ripe dried stone fruits with a touch of green fruit flavours. Bright acidity. Medium length with tropical fruit flavours on the finish. Willow Wine Cellars Albarino 2023 is a tasty example from Washington state with fresh stone fruit aromas that continue to the palate. This wine is dry, with a lean, linear, smooth mouthfeel. Some minerality. Medium-plus acidity. Very tasty.
Viognier
Viognier offers a world of flavour and complexity that sets it apart from the more restrained Chardonnay or Pinot Gris. Known for its rich, aromatic profile, Viognier often delivers lush tropical fruit flavours like ripe apricot, peach, and hints of honeyed sweetness, balanced by floral aromas of jasmine and orange blossom. The mouthfeel is typically fuller and rounder, with a weightier texture that makes it a perfect option for those looking for something more opulent and aromatic. In British Columbia, I have two examples. Blasted Church Vineyards Viognier 2022 has aromas of pine needles, citrus, orange, grape stem and a touch of pear. Dryish, medium-plus body, with a round thicker mouthfeel. Citrus (lemon and Iime) with touches of orange, pineapple, pear, peach, and grape stem. Township 7 Benchmark Series Fool’s Gold Vineyard Viognier 2021 has light aromas of stone fruit, peaches and pears, and hints of lime, blossom and apple. Dry, medium-plus body, with a round, smooth, thicker mouthfeel. Understated flavours of peaches and apricots, with touches of orange, floral, and apple. In California, Bogle Vineyards Viognier showcases lush fruit character while maintaining a nice balance of acidity, offering a wonderful expression of this varietal’s seductive richness. With flavours of tropical fruit notes of pineapple and mango, complemented with notes of vanilla and oak.
Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner brings a unique, bright, and herbaceous twist to the world of white wines. Hailing from Austria, it’s a varietal that combines freshness with subtle complexity, often offering a range of green flavours such as lime zest, white pepper, and fresh herbs, alongside a characteristic minerality. Unlike the fruit-forward style of Pinot Gris, Grüner Veltliner leans more toward savoury notes, often described as having a “green” or “vegetal” edge. It is crisp and lively, with an underlying richness that makes it a great match for diverse dishes. In British Columbia, Singletree Winery Grüner Veltliner 2023 from the Fraser Valley is dry with a medium-plus body and round mouthfeel. Light acidic prickle. Apricot and bruised apple flavour along with apricot skin and dried apricots. Light pepperiness. A perfect pairing for vegetable dishes or creamy cheeses. Illahe Vineyards Grüner Veltliner is a fine example from Oregon. This wine is known for its crispness and medium body, with flavors of green apple, yuzu, Asian pear, lime zest, white peach, honeydew, green papaya, and dried ginger. The wine is fermented with 50% in acacia barrels and the rest in stainless steel, giving it a complex aroma of dried apricots, honeycomb, lemon grass, ginger, and white pepper.
These wines each bring their own unique touch to the white wine world, offering something different for those seeking fresh, dynamic experiences beyond the classic Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.
