Albariño/Alvarinho  (Ahl-bar-reen-yo/Ahl-vah-REE-Nyoh) - Known as Albariño in Spain, and Alvarinho in Portugal, this grape is high in acidity and produces a light white wine or sparkling wine. This wine can have a creamy texture.

Aligote (ah-lee-go-tay) - Most famously from France, this grape is often blended in small amounts with Chardonnay. Production of Aligote is also found in Bulgaria, Romania and California.

Aidani (ah-ee-THA-nee) - A Greek grape that is often blended with Assyrtiko, but is gaining popularity as a varietal.

Airen (i-RHEEN ) -- The most widely planted grape in the world. Planted throughout Spain, this grape is used traditionally to produce the base for Spain's brandy industry. But, Airen is now being used to produce simple, refreshing, dry white wines.

Arneis (Ar-NAYZ) - An Italian grape originating from the Piedmont region that produces a crisp, floral wine that tend to be dry and full-bodied. Sometimes added in small amounts to Nebbiolo and Barbera wines to soften their tannins.

Assyrtiko (ah-SEER-tee-ko) - Originally from Santorini, a Greek Island, but now planted throughout Greece. This is an acidic grape that is very versatile in wine production.

Bourboulenc (Boor-boo-lonk) - Grown mostly in southern France and used in blending. It is permitted in the white wines of a wide range of appellations including Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Brianna (bree-ANN-nah) - Developed in 1983 by Elmer Swenson in Wisconsin, this hybrid varietal is planned in the upper Mid-west states of Illinios, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Nebraska due to its hardiness in the cold. Usually used in blends. Varietal wines are rare.

Catarratto (Cah-tahr-raht-to) - One of the most ancient and versatile grapes grown in Sicily. These grapes produce wines with aromas and flavors of ripe citrus, melon and passion fruit. It results in a full-bodied wine with high acidity. Also used in the production of Marsala wine.

Chardonnay (Shar-doe-NAY) - Possibly the world's best known white wine grape. Known as white Burgundy in France, this grape is planed worldwide.  Chardonnay wines can range from crisp and fruity, to rich and buttery depending on the growing region, temperatures, fermentation types and aging.  Cool climates produce light to medium bodied wines with high acidity and crisp fruit flavors.  Warmer climates tend to produce wines with richer, deeper flavors.  Chardonnay that has gone through the added Malolactic fermentation process are softer in their acidity and fruit flavors and can have a buttery mouthfeel.  Oak aging adds to the deep flavors of vanilla and hazelnuts.