CHARDONNAY
7,400 acres
2,995 hectares

Washington State's most widely planted grape is also the best manifestation of the state's special winemaking character. While Chardonnay is noted in many other regions as a rich and powerful wine.

Washington Chardonnays are often distinctively crisp and delicate, like fresh apples. Oak is often used with a lighter touch, showing off the varietal character. Also, some wineries use secondary malolactic fermentation to add rich vanillin and buttery nuances.

RIESLING
2,291 acres
927 hectares

One of the original grape varieties grown in Washington, the state's Rieslings tend to be very floral in the nose, with vivid apricot-peach flavors. Occasionally, the "noble rot" works its magic on Riesling, concentrating the sugars and flavors to produce a late-harvest or ice wine of incomparable intensity. Most Washington Rieslings are vinted in a dry to slightly off-dry style to accompany food.

SEMILLON
725 acres
293 hectares

Washington is known for its Semillon, and while this wine is most often enjoyed young, Washington Semillons have been known to age beautifully into rich, honeyed, nutty wines. When young, it offers a broad spectrum of flavors, ranging from crisp citrus to melon and fig, and from fresh pears to vanillin. A wine with somewhat lower acidity than Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon is luscious, yet light. Its lower acidity makes it more susceptible to botrytis, resulting in a fair number of late-harvest bottlings.

SAUVIGNON
BLANC
841 acres
340 hectares

These grapes make wines that appear under two names-Sauvignon Blanc and Fumé Blanc. They are becoming increasingly popular for their distinctive character. Often described as fruity with a touch of herbaceousness and lively acidity. As with Chardonnay, styles range from slightly tart and grassy to tangy pineapple overlayed with oak.

CHENIN BLANC
493 acres
199 hectares

This is the white grape variety of Vouvray in the Loire Valley of France. In Washington, it is often used to make similar wine-delicately fruity and highly floral. It brings to mind apple blossoms and citrus with a slightly rich and earthy note found in classic Vouvray. Chenin Blanc is made in both dry and off-dry styles and occasionally produces late-harvest wines.

GEWÜRZTRAMINER
493 acres
199 hectares

An early Washington success story because of its ability to withstand the cold winters, Gewürztraminer typically offers allspice, tropical fruit with zesty aromas and flavors. Previously made only in an off-dry, or slightly sweet style, Gewürztraminer  is now being explored by Washington winemakers who wish to make dry styles that retain its rich aromatics.

OTHER WHITES

Viognier
Pinot-Gris
Muscat Canelli
Müller Thurgau
Madeleine Angevine
Aligoté