White Varieties You May Have Never Had Heard Of

White Varieties You May Have Never Had Heard Of

There’s a world of fascinating, under-the-radar grapes that deserve a closer look. Whether you love bright and zesty whites, more textural sips, or wines with a little spice and minerality, consider this list your pocketbook cheat sheet to tasting something new in the glass! 

Rotgipfler

Austria’s hidden gem. Rotgipfler is a specialty almost exclusively found in the Thermenregion, where it thrives in warm, sun-soaked vineyards. It produces fuller-bodied, aromatic whites with a distinctive richness, a touch of spice, and vibrant ripe orchard fruits, apricot and mango. Its acidity and minerality give it structure and balance, making each sip feel like a little journey. It can be blended with Zierfandler, but also shines as a single-varietal wine — creamy, textured, and an absolute joy to drink. Pro tip: pair it with a schnitzel. You can thank us later.


Palomino 

The rockstar behind Sherry. While it’s traditionally the base grape for styles like Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Oloroso, and Palo Cortado, Palomino is increasingly being celebrated as a dry, still white in its own right. Producers are experimenting with unfortified Palomino, crafting some wines crisp and light-bodied, while others lean into a lightly nutty, oxidative, and textural style. It’s the kind of grape that can fly under the radar while still stealing the show at the table.

  • Regions: Jerez, Galicia, Canary Islands
  • Synonyms: Listán Blanco
  • Wine to try: TFWATH Palomino

Scheurebe

Germany’s aromatic alternative to Riesling. Scheurebe, one of Germany’s most successful crossings (Riesling × Bukettraube), was developed in the early 20th century to produce wines with intense aromatics while coping better with the region’s cooler climate. While warming temperatures have reduced its necessity in some areas, it remains a grape worth discovering. Scheurebe can produce ageworthy, full-bodied dry whites as well as impressive, high-quality sweet wines. Bold and expressive, it shows grapefruit, peach, and floral notes that make it distinct and recognisable.


Vidiano

Crete’s local gem. This grape variety blew me away during my recent visit. Vidiano makes textural, elegant, medium-bodied whites that are smooth, slightly creamy, with lovely peach and stone fruit vibes. The wines are balanced by enough freshness and structure to pair beautifully with food. Still relatively obscure outside Greece, Vidiano is quietly winning the hearts of producers and wine lovers alike. Not much makes it into international markets yet, so discovering it is a bit like finding a hidden treasure.

Savagnin 

Jura’s slightly eccentric but totally charming white grape. It's famous for powering the legendary Vin Jaune, where the wine is aged for years under a protective veil of flor yeast in oak, which gives it both nutty and oxidative notes, and a touch of umami. But Savagnin isn’t just for Vin Jaune lovers. Producers are making fresh whites that are bright, zesty, and approachable, with citrus, green apple, and subtle floral notes. With its range of styles, it has something to offer for those who want to play it safe and for those who are feeling adventurous.

  • Regions: Jura, France; small plantings in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Australia
  • Synonyms: Traminer, Haida
  • Wine to try: Fumey-Chatelain Savagnin Sous Voile


Carricante

Sicily’s high-altitude white that thrives on the slopes of Mount Etna’s prized volcanic soils. As the dominant grape in Etna Bianco, it produces seriously refreshing, dry whites that are brimming with energy. Three words that sum it up: linear, mineral-driven, precise. The wines often show citrus and orchard fruit notes, along with a stony, saline edge and a subtle flinty smokiness that give Carricante its distinct, intriguing character. Thanks to Mount Etna’s high slopes and cooler nights, Carricante can maintain its vibrant, mouthwatering acidity, giving the wines structure to age surprisingly well. 

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