To celebrate National White Wine day on Saturday 4^th August here are a few of our top picks of slightly lesser known varieties that you may want to try. After all, the white wine category is much wider than just Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc!

 
Quinta Soalheiro Alvarinho 2017
One of the top properties producing Vinho Verde, Soalheiro is based in Melgaço, and specializes in the Alvarinho grape variety. They own 6 hectares, and the largest vineyard is just one hectare. The grapes are harvested manually and carried immediately to the cellar in small boxes to retain absolute freshness. The aim of the vinification process is to obtain a wine that captures the quality of the grapes and creates conditions that promote evolution in the bottle. An intense, elegant wine with volume, it has shown an excellent balance between the fruitiness and acidity of the Alvarinho variety. Ideal as an aperitif or to accompany seafood dishes, fish or poultry dishes, Quinta da Soalheiro awarded among the best wine producers in the world by Wine & Spirits Magazine - "2017 top 100 Wineries” and "Top 100 Tasting & Road Show Invitation.”
 
Domaine de La Chauviniere Clos Les Montys 2017                                               
Produced from vines on granite soil, this Muscadet is elevated from the unique variety that is, Melon de Bourgogne. A grape with a soft character, which allows it to be a true expression of the terroir. The Melon de Bourgogne grape matures slightly later than usual, resulting in an ample and harmonious and crisp finish. Muscadet (Melon) is a wine for those who love anything-but-fruity wines. They are lean, green, and have a fascinating almost saline-like quality to the taste. Notes of mandarin and dried fruit appear on the palate, making this Muscadet more complex than the average. A wine that defines its origins.
 
Bodegas Paco Garcia Tempranillo Blanco 2017 
Murillo de Rio Leza (La Rioja) is the cradle of the Tempranillo Blanco varietal. This variety was discovered in 1988 in the town in which Paco Garcia's bodega resides. A Tempranillo vine decided to mutate and produce white fruit/grapes instead of the usual red fruit. Once in the winery, after destemming the pristine fruit is pressed and left to rest in large stainless-steel tanks. Following this, the wine is left on its lees for 6 months to gain complexity and nuance of flavour. Rich, smooth and creamy flavours result while beautifully married to the characteristic citrus and floral aromas. Ultimately, the wine shows a unique bouquet of lemon and orange blossom followed by pineapple and banana inflections. Hints of mint, cedar and subtle minerality caress the palate. There is volume in the mouth with a persistent structure and generous length. This wine is drinking beautifully at present but will also reward short term cellaring. Young, fresh white rioja pairs wonderfully with Spanish tapas, grilled shellfish and fresh zesty salads.