What is a White Blend Wine?

We're all familiar with pleasantly subtle white wine varietals like buttery Chardonnay or the fresh and herbal Sauvignon Blanc, but white wine blends are harder to find.

While many wine enthusiasts flock to the store for a premium red blend, white blends are less popular, likely due to their reputation as cheap table wine.

But many don't know there are plenty of unique white wine blends of sublime quality, with distinctive notes and incredible aging potential.

Here's a little about white blend wines and some of our favorites worth sipping.

History of White Blend Wine

A white blend is a white wine that combines more than one grape varietal.

Historically, white blends have commonly consisted of Semillon, Muscadelle, and Sauvignon Blanc, like Sauternes and White Bordeaux.

Blending these white grape varietals started around the 18th century in Bordeaux, France, where these two wines originated. 

Let's look at some famous white blends that are highly esteemed.

Popular White Blends

While there are many white blends to choose from, a few are most prolific amongst wine connoisseurs. 

Because a white blend can combine any white grape varietals, flavor potentials are seemingly endless, but some combinations taste more complimentary than others.

Here are just a few of our famous favorites.

White Bordeaux

This classic white blend has been a notable wine in the Bordeaux region since the 1960s after the industry wanted something different from traditional single-varietal wines. 

Made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle, White Bordeaux contains either a light, fruity taste or rich and creamy. It will also occasionally include Sauvignon Gris. 

The creamier version of White Bordeaux contains higher amounts of Semillon and is the most sought-after of the two types. They also tend to be more expensive, while fruitier varieties are cheaper.

With fruitier blends, you can expect notes of fresh honeysuckle, grapefruit, honey, and gooseberry. A White Bordeaux with higher amounts of Muscadelle will have a more prominent grape flavor. 

For rich and creamy blends, expect essences of freshly baked apple pie, lemon butter, orange zest, and crème brûlée.

Sauternes

Like White Bordeaux, Sauternes is made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. But what's unique about this white blend is that the Muscadelle grapes are purposely affected by Botrytis cinerea, otherwise known as "noble rot." 

The grapes raisin partially, which results in a more concentrated flavor. This is a sweeter wine with flavors of peaches, honey, and apricots with a slightly nutty aftertaste. 

Southern Rhone White Blend

This name refers to various white varietal combinations in the southern areas of Rhone Valley. Some principal varieties include Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Picpoul, Marsanne, Viognier, Roussanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc.

Ugni Blanc and Viognier bring out the bright citrus and stonefruit flavors, while Grenache Blanc gives the blend a more spicy, peppery flavor. Roussanne and Marsanne express more herbal aromas, like lightly sweet honeysuckle.

Look for Southern Rhone Whites that contain the predominant tasting notes you're looking for, as there are so many flavor combinations. 

White Rioja

Hopping over from France to Spain, White Rioja is known for its sweet citrus and dried fruit notes. This blend's essential white grape varietal is Viura, and these wines can age for up to ten years or more.

The rare White Rioja or Rioja Blanco aromas are fresh and citrusy when young, with aromas of lemon, lime, and honeydew. Regarding texture, you can expect a slightly chalky, mineral aftertaste.

White Rioja acquires nutty, candied flavors like roasted hazelnuts and caramelized honey when aged. 

White Blend Food Pairings

White blends pair well with lighter foods like chicken, fresh fish dishes, and delicate salads. 

White blends with a drier, more mineral taste will be most delicious with white fish and salmon, while sweeter blends are best served with heavier meats and desserts.

We suggest buttery, baked desserts like a hot apple pie with a dab of vanilla ice cream. A Sauternes would be decadent with this after-dinner treat. 

Pro Tip: White blends are best served slightly chilled at around 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

A Quintessential Variety

Move over red blends! White blends are making their way as more than just table wine. 

The great thing about this list is that it provides a range of flavors from just a tiny sample.

This shows the immense choices white blends can offer, ranging from light and dry to fruity, to creamy, to sweet dessert wine. 

If you're looking for a famously sought-after blend on the more expensive side, try a creamy, buttery White Bordeaux. 

Shop our top-rated White Blends and White Wines.

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