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Chardonnay
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Chardonnay is one of the most popular wines in the world, and is the main white grape variety grown for commercial white wine production in Australia. The popularity of Chardonnay quickly rose, due to its generous flavours and its ease to grow and make into wine. In fact, it is often called a viticulturalist's dream, as it is early ripening, naturally vigorous and is relatively resistant to disease. Most importantly, it can be grown in a wide range of climatic conditions, leading to a vast array of styles.

 Australian Chardonnay are opulent, ripe and uncomplicated and the structure is mouth filling, rounded and generous, with the winemakers' individuality expressed in the wine through the winemaking techniques used. With flavours ranging from tropical fruit-like peach, fig and melon to those of lemon, grapefruit and green apple this adaptable classic white variety is grown in all states of Australia.

The popularity of Chardonnay has soared thanks to these generous flavours and ripe fruit characters, easily making it the most popular Australian white wine.

Aldinga Bay McLaren Vale Chardonnay 2004
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Lara Simone Chardonnay Vermentino 2005
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Sauvignon Blanc
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In Australia Sauvignon Blanc is used to make fresh, vibrant wine styles with none of the heaviness of Chardonnay or the floral tones of Riesling. The variety normally displays intense tropical fruit flavours with varying degrees of herbaceousness behind which lie tropical fruit, passionfruit and gooseberry aromas. But Sauvignon Blanc goes further to provide a feast for the senses - from aromas of tomato leaf, spice and flint aromas to elements of asparagus, capsicum and gun smoke - to an equally diverse flavour spectrum.

Its flavour profile is in harmony with Semillon and consequently these varieties are often blended together producing an easy-drinking accompaniment to seafood.

As a straight varietal, Sauvignon Blanc is best to serve very cold with the new release vintages often showing freshness and intensity at their peak making the wine a perfect partner for seafood, particularly oysters.

Verdelho
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  Verdelho is originally from Portugal where it is grown on the mainland but most recognised for its vinification into fortified wine on the island of Madeira Verdelho is one of Australia's niche white vine varieties. producing a unique style of table wine performing well in a range of climates.

 Depending on where it is grown and when it is picked. Verdelho is best described as a generously flavoured style with varietal character ranging from herbaceous, grassy and spice through to more tropical flavours of pineapple, melon, tropical fruits, guava, honeysuckle and fruit salad. Balanced with crisp acidity some styles are slightly sweet, adding to the generosity of flavour.

Partner Verdelho with food dishes including seafood and light meats such as chicken, pork and veal or match the sweeter styles with Asian influenced dishes and you have a wine with a flavoursome palate and full-bodied nature making it a good alternative to the market-dominant Chardonnay. 

Aldinga Bay McLaren Vale Verdelho 2004
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Trinity Cove McLaren Vale Verdelho 2005
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Viognier
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Viognier is a white grape variety whose home is in the Northern Rhone Valley in France. Although a white grape, it is an "unseen" ingredient in the Rhones' Cote Rotie appellation where reds are allowed to have up to 20% of this white grape in their blend. It is allowed to shine on its own in a couple of appellation areas in the Rhone Valley. Condrieu is a small appellation 50 km south of Lyons where some terraced vineyards produce one of the rarest wines around from Viognier grape.
Some people believe that Viognier will become the next wonder grape that will sweep the world like Chardonnay has. It may do but it's a long way off. Viognier is a dry, intensely-flavoured, aromatic wine that exhibits somewhat floral qualities and aromas of apricots, peaches, melons and pears that make a cross between Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer.
Viognier is one of the best kept secrest of the wine world with a number of areas around the world, including Australia starting to grow the grape hoping to emulate wines which reflect the taste and style of those rare French classics, but not the price.

Aldinga Bay McLaren Vale Viognier 2003
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Semillon
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Semillon is a classic French wine and also one of Australias wine jewels produced in many viticultural areas of Australia. 

The grapes ripen early in the season and produces wines which are full-flavored, rich and aromatic. Semillon is often blended with other varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay to take advantage of the strengths of each variety. These blends have been very successful for Australia, both domestically and internationally.

As a varietal, when young, its fresh, herbaceous, grassy, quince and lemon characters are perfect on a hot summers day served with freshly shucked oysters. When it shows some age full-flavoured toasty/ honey characteristics make it a wonderful accompaniment to smoked salmon.

Aldinga Bay McLaren Vale Semillon 2000
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Aldinga Bay McLaren Vale Vermentino 2005
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