Some of the most distinctive white wines sit outside the familiar categories of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris.
This collection brings together varieties with very different origins and personalities, from the aromatic richness of Viognier to the waxy structure of Roussanne, the high acidity of Assyrtiko and Aligoté, and the peppery freshness associated with Grüner Veltliner.
Rather than representing a single style, these wines are best explored through grape variety and region.
Viognier
Viognier is most closely associated with the Northern Rhône, particularly Condrieu.
It is a highly aromatic variety, commonly showing apricot, peach, white flowers and spice, with a broader, sometimes oily texture compared with higher-acid varieties such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.
Oak can add further texture and spice, although some producers favour more restrained maturation.
Australian producers including By Farr and Clonakilla offer local interpretations of the variety.
Roussanne
Roussanne is another important Rhône white variety, but its character is quite different from Viognier.
It is generally more restrained aromatically and can offer greater structure, waxy texture and savoury complexity, with notes that can move through citrus, apricot, herbs, beeswax and chamomile.
Well-made examples can also develop considerably in bottle.
Australian producers such as Giaconda and Yangarra Estate demonstrate the variety's potential outside France.
Rhône White Blends
In the Southern Rhône, white wines are often blends rather than single-variety expressions.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc can include varieties such as Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette and Bourboulenc, producing structured, textural wines quite different from more aromatic single-variety whites.
The collection includes examples from producers such as Château Mont-Redon and Rotem & Mounir Saouma.
Assyrtiko & Greek White Wine
Assyrtiko is one of Greece's most important indigenous white grapes and is particularly associated with Santorini.
The island's volcanic soils, dry climate and strong winds have shaped a distinctive viticultural tradition.
Assyrtiko retains high acidity even in warm, dry conditions, allowing wines to combine citrus, stone fruit and saline characters with a firm, textural palate.
Domaine Sigalas provides one of the key Santorini references within the collection, while other Greek producers broaden the picture beyond the island.
Aligoté: Burgundy Beyond Chardonnay
While Chardonnay dominates white Burgundy, Aligoté is the region's other important traditional white grape.
It is generally lighter and higher in acidity than Chardonnay, producing crisp, energetic wines with citrus, green apple and savoury mineral character.
Bourgogne Aligoté from producers such as Sylvain Cathiard provides a useful counterpoint to the Chardonnay-based wines for which Burgundy is better known.
Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner is Austria's signature white grape variety.
It commonly produces dry wines with fresh acidity, citrus, orchard fruit, herbs and distinctive white-pepper spice.
The variety has also found a small but growing presence in Australia and New Zealand, particularly in cooler regions where freshness can be retained.
Skin-Contact & Alternative Winemaking
Some wines within the broader collection may also use extended skin contact, co-fermentation or other approaches that move beyond conventional white-wine production.
Skin contact gives white grapes additional colour, tannin and texture, creating wines often described as orange or amber wines.
These wines should be understood as a winemaking style rather than a grape variety and can be produced from many different white grapes.
Choosing Alternative White Wine
For something highly aromatic and textural, Viognier is a natural starting point.
Roussanne offers greater savoury structure and ageing potential, while Assyrtiko provides high acidity and a firm, saline expression.
Aligoté sits towards the lighter, fresher end of the spectrum, while Grüner Veltliner combines acidity with herbal and peppery character.
The diversity of the category is its strength, and grape variety is usually the best guide.
Shop Other White Varietals at Kent Street Cellars
Explore alternative white varieties from Australia and around the world, including Assyrtiko, Viognier, Roussanne, Aligoté, Grüner Veltliner and Rhône white blends.
Delivery is available Australia-wide, with same-day delivery also available across eligible Sydney metropolitan areas.
