Collection: Alternative White Wine | Fiano, Verdelho & More

Alternative White Wine Collection

Discover the exciting world of alternative white wine varieties, from Italian Fiano and Soave to Australian Verdelho and Marsanne, French Chablis and Sancerre to aromatic Alsace blends. Our collection showcases exceptional white wines beyond the mainstream, offering outstanding quality at great value prices.

Exploring Alternative Varieties

Whilst Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production, a diverse array of alternative varieties offers wine enthusiasts exciting flavour profiles, distinctive regional character, and exceptional value. These varieties—from ancient Mediterranean grapes to emerging Australian favourites—provide refreshing alternatives that challenge conventions and reward exploration.

Italian White Wine Varieties

Fiano – An ancient variety from southern Italy's Campania region, Fiano produces textured, aromatic white wines with remarkable complexity. The variety thrives in warm climates, developing concentrated flavours whilst retaining refreshing acidity.

Australian Fiano, particularly from the King Valley and Clare Valley, showcases the variety's versatility. Clare Valley's continental climate—hot days and cool nights—creates Fiano with pronounced stone fruit, honey, and almond notes alongside mineral complexity. Pikes Luccio Fiano exemplifies the variety's potential in Australian terroir.

Expect aromas of white peach, pear, honey, and toasted nuts, with a rich, textured palate, moderate acidity, and distinctive waxy mouthfeel. Fiano pairs beautifully with seafood, poultry, and creamy pasta dishes.

Soave – From the Veneto region near Verona, Soave is crafted primarily from Garganega grapes, creating elegant, mineral-driven white wines. The variety benefits from volcanic soils and moderate climate, producing wines of remarkable purity and finesse.

Soave displays delicate aromas of white flowers, almond, citrus, and stone fruit, with crisp acidity, subtle mineral character, and refreshing finish. The wines offer exceptional value and food-pairing versatility, complementing seafood, risotto, and light pasta dishes.

Australian Alternative Varieties

Verdelho – Originally from Portugal's Madeira, Verdelho has found a successful home in Australia, particularly Langhorne Creek and the Hunter Valley. The variety thrives in warm climates, producing aromatic, medium-bodied white wines with tropical fruit character.

Langhorne Creek's warm continental climate and cooling lake breezes create ideal conditions for Verdelho. The region's alluvial soils and moderate water availability produce wines with concentrated flavours and balanced acidity. Expect aromas of lime, tropical fruit, and subtle spice, with crisp acidity and refreshing finish.

Marsanne – A Rhône Valley variety that has become an Australian speciality, particularly in Nagambie Lakes. Tahbilk Estate has championed Marsanne since the 1860s, producing age-worthy wines of remarkable complexity.

Nagambie's temperate climate and ancient Cambrian soils create Marsanne with distinctive honeyed, nutty character. Young Marsanne displays citrus and stone fruit, developing complex honey, marzipan, and lanolin notes with age. The variety's full body and moderate acidity create wines with exceptional ageing potential.

Viognier Marsanne Blends – Rhône-inspired blends combining Viognier's aromatic intensity with Marsanne's body and texture. d'Arenberg's The Hermit Crab showcases this style, offering floral aromatics, stone fruit character, and rich, textured palate.

Albariño (Savagnin) – Spain's signature white variety, Albariño produces aromatic, crisp wines with citrus and stone fruit character. Australian interpretations showcase the variety's versatility and food-pairing potential.

French Classic Regions

Chablis – Northern Burgundy's pure expression of Chardonnay on Kimmeridgian limestone, Chablis produces mineral-driven white wines of remarkable purity. The region's cool continental climate and ancient fossilised oyster shell soils create wines with steely minerality, citrus fruit, and racy acidity.

Chablis ranges from Petit Chablis (entry-level) to Grand Cru (exceptional vineyard sites), all showcasing the variety's ability to express terroir with crystalline clarity.

Sancerre – Loire Valley's benchmark Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre produces vibrant, mineral-driven wines from limestone and flint soils. The region's continental climate and hillside vineyards create wines with pronounced citrus, gooseberry, and mineral character alongside racy acidity.

Vouvray – Loire Valley Chenin Blanc ranging from bone-dry (sec) to sweet. Vouvray Sec displays green apple, quince, and honey notes with vibrant acidity and mineral backbone, offering exceptional ageing potential.

Alsace – France's eastern region produces aromatic white wines from Germanic varieties. Alsace Gentil blends Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and other varieties, creating complex, food-friendly wines with floral aromatics and dry finish.

German Alternative Varieties

Gewürztraminer – Intensely aromatic variety producing wines with lychee, rose petal, and exotic spice notes. German Gewürztraminer from the Pfalz displays the variety's characteristic aromatics with elegant balance and moderate alcohol.

Climate & Terroir Diversity

Alternative varieties thrive in diverse climates:

Mediterranean Climate (Southern Italy, McLaren Vale) – Warm, dry conditions suit Fiano and Viognier, developing concentrated aromatics and ripe fruit character.

Continental Climate (Clare Valley, Nagambie, Chablis) – Diurnal temperature variation preserves acidity whilst developing flavour complexity.

Maritime-Influenced (Loire Valley, Langhorne Creek) – Moderate temperatures and water influences create freshness and aromatic intensity.

Cool Climate (Chablis, Sancerre) – Produces wines of elegance, minerality, and pronounced acidity.

Blends & Innovation

Alternative varieties often shine in blends:

• Sauvignon Blanc Semillon – Classic Australian blend combining Sauvignon's aromatics with Semillon's texture and ageing potential
• Viognier Marsanne – Rhône-inspired blends offering aromatic complexity and textured palate
• Verdelho Sauvignon Blanc – Contemporary Australian blends creating tropical fruit character with crisp acidity
• Alsace Gentil – Traditional French blends showcasing multiple aromatic varieties

Food Pairing Versatility

Alternative white wines offer exceptional food-pairing versatility:

• Fiano – Seafood, roasted chicken, creamy pasta, aged cheeses
• Verdelho – Asian cuisine, grilled fish, light curries, fresh salads
• Marsanne – Roasted poultry, lobster, mushroom dishes, mature cheeses
• Soave – Risotto, seafood, light pasta, soft cheeses
• Chablis – Oysters, seafood, goat cheese, sushi
• Sancerre – Goat cheese, asparagus, seafood, salads
• Gewürztraminer – Spicy Asian cuisine, pâté, strong cheeses

Value & Discovery

Alternative varieties often represent exceptional value, offering complexity and quality comparable to mainstream varieties at more accessible prices. These wines reward exploration, providing distinctive flavour profiles and regional character that expand wine knowledge and appreciation.

Explore our alternative white wine collection and discover exciting varieties beyond the mainstream at great value prices.