Chardonnay [shar-dn-AY] is the most popular premium white wine varietal produced in California. Chardonnay is high in extract (the parts of the grape used in making the wine), versatile, can be grown in a variety of conditions and can take on a variety of characteristics. Chardonnay is often described as buttery, nutty, creamy or toasty and can take on flavors that include apple, pear, tropical fruits, butterscotch, honey or lemon. Because of the high acids when picked early, it is a very popular grape in the production of sparkling wines. Chardonnay goes particularly well with seafood (particularly swordfish and lobster), pasta with cream sauces and seafood salads.

Chenin Blanc [SHEN-in BLAHNK] is a common, highly acidic wine that is used both as a dominant variety and for blending. Chenin Blanc wines exhibit delicate floral aromas and flavors of melon. Although sometimes produced in a dry style, most Chenin Blanc wines are semi-sweet to semi-dry in style. These wines go well with light cheeses on a summer afternoon and can pair well with light appetizers, salads, delicate fish and chicken.

Fume Blanc - See Sauvignon Blanc

Gewurtztraminer [geh-VEHRTZ-trah-mee-ner] is a white wine grape that produces highly fragrant wines known for their crisp, spicy characteristics (Gewurz is the German word for "spice") with aromas of rose petals, peaches, nutmeg, allspice and sometimes tropical fruit. These wines generally take on a peach-colored or gold hue and are most often sold in brown-colored, slender Rhine bottles. Gewurtztraminer wines are available in various levels of sweetness, from dry to medium-sweet and late-harvest and should be consumed while young. The spicy flavors make this an ideal wine for spicy foods such as Asian cuisine or curried dishes.

Marsanne [mahr-SAN] is a dominant Rhone varietal (along with Rousanne and Viognier) that is usually blended with Rousanne. Marsanne wines tend to be light and fruity with a perfume fragrance. Most wines identified as "White Hermitage" are made with Marsanne.

Muscat Canelli [MUHS-kat ka-NEH-lee] is a flowery dessert wine with concentrated aromas and flavors of peaches and apricots. These wines are produced in a variety of styles from light and dry to very sweet and are also produced as sparkling wines. Muscat Canelli is great with fresh fruits and desserts-try it served over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pinot Blanc [PEE-noh-BLAHNK], a white relative of the Pinot Noir grape. They produce fruity, dry wines similar to Chardonnay but less flavorful and complex. Because of the clean, brisk and almost neutral flavors of the wines, it is well-suited as a component of better sparkling wines.

Riesling [REES-ling], also known as Johannisberg Riesling, is generally considered to be one of the great wine grapes of the world. Riesling wines are considered complex, yet delicate, and can be vinified from dry to very sweet. These light, fruity wines often exhibit apricot and peach flavors and a flowery bouquet. This is the perfect wine for a light picnic or sipping on a summer afternoon, and goes well with chicken, pork, fish, salads and most lighter foods.

Rousanne [roo-SAHN] is one of three grapes (along with Viognier and Marsanne) associated with France's Rhone region. They produce wines that are delicate with perfume aromas and is most often blended in small amounts with the other two Rhone whites.

Sauvignon Blanc [SOH-vin-yohn BLAHNK], also known as Fume Blanc, is California's second most popular white wine grape. The wine is crisp with grassy, green pepper and herbal flavors and should generally be consumed while young. Wines marketed as Fume Blanc are often oakier in style. Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with chicken, fish, shellfish, soups, pasta with red sauces, sushi and light salads.

Semillon [seh-mee-YOHN] by itself turns out wines of average quality and neutral flavor, but is often found blended with Sauvignon Blanc to produce excellent, complex wines. Semillon tends to soften the grassy taste of Sauvignon Blanc while the Sauvignon Blanc offers the desired acidity and aromas to the blend. Semillon is also found blended with Chardonnay in wines that exhibit a somewhat "toasty" character.

Viognier [vee-oh-NYAY], a somewhat rare white-wine grape due to its low yield, is enjoying an increasing popularity in California. Viognier is a dry, intensely-flavored, aromatic wine that exhibits somewhat floral qualities and aromas of apricots, peaches, melons and pears. Serve with chicken, veal, roast, turkey and pasta with cream sauces.