What are the varieties of white grapes?

Throughout the world there are more than 10,000 varieties of grapes suitable for making wine. At Segura Viudas we invite you to join us on this tour of the most elaborate white grape varieties.

White grape types

Our premium quality i cavas and wines are made with the best varieties of autochthonous grapes from the region. At Segura Viudas we defend the qualities of native grapes as they allow for sustainable agriculture, withstand climate change and make our wines something genuine. We only use Chardonnay as a foreign grape, although it has been established in Penedés for decades. The varieties we use the most are:

• Macabeo: found in arid and warm climates, it provides light, dry and aromatic wines. It matures very well in oak barrels. Our i Segura Viudas Lavit Brut Nature is an example.
• Xarello: white grape variety of Spanish origin, very present in the region of Catalonia. It is usually used in the production of cavas together with Parellada and Macabeo. Get to know our i Segura Viudas Xarel·lo and i Segura Viudas Creu de Lavitwines, made with this variety!
• Parellada: a white grape of Spanish origin that is widespread in Catalonia, where, together with Macabeo and Xarel·lo, it forms part of the three typical varieties of cava. Our exquisite i Segura Viudas Brut Reserva and i Segura Viudas Torre Galimanycavas are made with these three varieties.
• Chardonnay: Chardonnay varies its style depending on the climate and production methods. Its creamy style and its great body make it the ideal grape for aging in barrels. Our iconic i Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad cava and the complex and intense i Segura Viudas Brut Vintage Gran Reserva feature Chardonnay in their blend.

More white grape varieties

In addition, other of the most cultivated and used white grape varieties are:

• Albariño: white grape with a lot of character and typical of Galicia, with hints of peach, apricot (many are confused with Viognier), although Albariño is a little lighter and more acidic.
• White Garnacha: variety of the i Garnacha grape, of Spanish origin, which adapts very well to hot and relatively dry climates.
• Malvasia: white grape variety of Greek origin that took its name from the Greek port of Monemvasia where it presumably began its journey to Italy, Spain and France. It is currently very popular in Spain, especially in the Vinos de Zamora Denomination of Origin.
• Moscatel: white grape variety used to make very aromatic wines, with a high alcohol content and a lot of body.
• Sauvignon Blanc: highly aromatic white grape variety used in the production of dry wines with high acidity.
• Verdejo: white grape variety, considered the main variety in the white wines of the Rueda Designation of Origin.