10 Exciting White Grapes to Know

Distinctive, palate-pleasing varieties to broaden your white wine horizons

A worker cuts a bushel of Aligoté grapes from the vine in Burgundy, France.
Aligoté thrives in Burgundy and is often co-planted alongside the region’s more famous Chardonnay vines. (Michel Joly)

White wine isn’t just about Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Hundreds more varieties exist around the world, ripe for exploration. Here are 10 of the most unsung white grape categories worthy of note, with top bottle recommendations, tasting notes and more! Learn about Aligoté from Burgundy; Assyrtiko from Greece; Carricante from Mount Etna; Chenin Blanc from South Africa, the Loire Valley and beyond; Clairette from Southern France; Godello from Bierzo; Greco from Campania; Malvasia from Portugal, Spain and beyond; Timorasso from Piedmont; and Vermentino from Tuscany.

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