While Sauvingnon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio and Verdelho are the white wine varieties more commonly consumed around the Australian dinner table, some of the world's most popular whites are gaining popularity in Australia.

Chenin Blac

This wonderful grape hails from the Loire Valley in France. Chenin Blanc's high acidity makes it a versatile variety, and is included in sparkling wines, as well as wines that range from sweet and semi sweet to dry. It is also a great partner with other white varieties, particularly Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Marsanne

Marsanne has been used for centuries in the white wine of the Northern Rhone region of France, where it is commonly blended with Roussanne. Today, Marsanne is also grown in Spain, Switzerland, the US and Australia. The Marsanne grape produces a dry white wine, although there have been cases of it being used for the production of dessert-style wines.

White Burgundy

While many people might think 'red' when they think of Burgundy, White Burgundy was also created in the region of France that gave this wine its name. Unlike the reds, which are commonly made on a base of Pinot Noir, White Burgundy is often produced using Chardonnay. However, variations do exist, most notably those that use the Chenin Blanc grape variety. These are more widely produced in new world wine areas such as Australia, and offer a crisp, dry and slightly green palette. White Burgundy is an excellent accompaniment to seafood and other light meals.

Voignier

The history of the Voignier grape is a fascinating one, stretching back to the days of the Roman occupation of the Rhone Valley. After being almost driven to extinction by the 1960s, this grape has made a steady comeback in the last few decades, and can now be found flourishing in Italy, Australia and California. Voignier grapes are a little tricky to get right, with the ripening process happening late and quickly. When picked at just the right time, the aroma is full of fruit, but picked earlier it's a very different wine. Voignier makes a dry, robust white wine that is perfect with a lightly herbed fish or crisp salad.

Chablis

Chablis originated in the region of France with the same name, and is made entirely from Chardonnay grapes. The lighter, crisper flavour of Chablis-style wine is a result of Chablis' terrior, which has a cooler climate than other Chardonnay growing regions, and soil consisting of fossilised oyster shells, limestone and clay. Its style is also the product of winemaking techniques, which includes fermentation in either stainless steel or concrete tanks. If oak barrels are used in the fermentation process, they tend to be made from lighter oak that does not impart the characteristic cinnamon and vanilla flavours associated with heavier oak.

Unwooded Chardonnay

Unwooded Chardonnays in Australia are often made in the "Chablis" style, with the best coming from cooler climates such as the Margaret River region wineries, such as Mad Fish Bay and Treeton Estate wines. Unlike Chablis from France, Australian Unwooded Chardonnays are sometimes blends of Chardonnay and Sauvignon grape varieties.

With such a wide variety of white wines produced both within our shores and from the world's best wine producing regions, why not try something new the next time you pick up a bottle.