Five Unique White Wine Grape Varieties to Try

August is the last official month of summer (unless you’re a local Jersey shore person, but let’s stay on track here). September is just around the corner and we’re all trying to soak up the last few moments of the season. White wine is the perfect summer adult beverage that is generally a safe option for entertaining and lighter summer dining. But let’s face it, popular white wines can be a little boring; think Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc. How many times have you had these wines? To cure your white wine boredom, I have selected five unique white wine varieties to give a try. I hope you enjoy!

Ribolla Gialla

This grape variety is grown in the Fruili region of northeastern Italy and its neighbor Slovenia. The best expressions of this grape variety allows for skin contact during the fermentation process. Without skin contact I don’t feel Ribolla lives up to it’s full potential so I don’t recommend this version. When the skins are left intact, you get so much more aromas and flavors from this wine. Skin contact Ribolla is a fuller bodied white wine, with a complex nose and palate. It has aging potential and good acidity. It really holds its own with heavier dishes like grilled lamb, sausages, and stews. You may see this style of wine labeled as “orange wine” or simply “skin contact.”

Torrontes

Originally grown in Argentina, this aromatic white wine is not only delightful but also wallet friendly. Torrontes has notes of citrus, stone fruit, and white florals. As a great accompaniment to Asian foods and Indian cuisine, this is your goto wine for “hmm what pairs with this meal?” What I love of Torrontes is that it’s simultaneously sweet yet also tart. This is a fun and approachable wine that’s a sure crowd pleaser.

Furmint

This is a Hungarian wine grape variety that is a real jack of all. It is widely used to produce single-variety dry wines (similar to Reisling). But most notabley, Tokaji dessert wines. I’ve even seen it used as a sparkling wine. Expect notes of lemon, green apple, and some minerality on the palate. If you’re looking for a fantastic dessert wine Royal Tokaj does not disappoint. It’s really fantastic.

Pecorino

Rescued from obscurity, this Italian white wine grape is primarily grown in the Marche and Abruzzo region of Italy. Not to be confused to Pecorino Romano (the cheese), Pecorino the grape variety is a lesser know Italian gem that you must add to your try list. This style of wine typically is crisp and fresh with floral aromas and fruity and herbal flavors reminiscent of green apples, stone fruit, and lemons. One of the best qualities is it’s minerality. Great with pastas, salads, and fish dishes.

Malagousia

Another grape rescued from near extinction! I love this variety when I need a mental vacation to the Greek islands. Don’t we all? This wine has notes of peach, citrus, a fuller body and higher levels of alcohol. Most versions of this wine are made in a dry and fresh style but sweet dessert wines do exist. It’s versatility pairs well with chicken, fish, salads, cheeses, just to name a few. I highly recommend this beautiful Greek grape variety!

There you have it. Five lesser known white wine grape varieties that you can get yours hands on before the end of summer. If not, the “No white after Labor Day” rule doesn’t apply to wines, s you still have time. The great news is white wines can be enjoyed year round. Happy sipping, cheers!