Unusual white grape varieties
Sylvaner vineyard.
(Image credit: Marianne Casamance / Wikimedia Commons)

Here's some wines to track down if you're feeling adventurous...

We are all familiar with the usual suspects such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, but consider that there are thousands of different grape varieties and it soon becomes apparent that there is a whole world to explore outside of our comfort zone.

If you are the type of person who loves to discover exciting new wines, this list is a great place to start.

See also: Grape names quiz – test your knowledge

Unusual white grape varieties to try:

Domaine Boeckel, Sylvaner, Zotzenberg Grand Cru 2012

(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

Domaine Boeckel, Sylvaner, Zotzenberg Grand Cru, Alsace 2012

Now run by the fifth winemaking generation of the Boeckel family, this wine comes from a vineyard that produces superior

Koshu is Japan's indigenous grape variety with the majority produced in Yamanashi, at the foothills of Mount Fuji. Credit: Koshu of Japan

Koshu is Japan's indigenous grape variety with the majority produced in Yamanashi, at the foothills of Mount Fuji.
(Image credit: Koshu of Japan)

Japanese Koshu: History and top wines worth seeking out

Low in alcohol, crisp and delicate, Koshu certainly ticks a lot of boxes...

Vineyards growing Marselan grapes

Marselan growing in the Rhône.
(Image credit: Per Karlsson, BKWine 2 / Alamy Stock Photo)

Marselan: Why it could be a ‘signature grape’ of Chinese wines

Can this lesser-known French variety win in China?

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(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

Variety or terroir – whose side are you on?

Innovation and passion recently presented themselves to me in two opposing guises. Which one do you most relate to?

Jefford

Jefford
(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

Jefford on Monday: The great variety waltz

I've been looking out for the Italian licence plates, but haven't seen any round here yet.

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James Button
James Button
Regional Editor - Italy

James Button is Decanter’s regional editor for Italy, responsible for all of Decanter's Italian content in print and online.

Like many others, he started his wine career at Majestic Wine, giving him a strong grounding in the subject before successfully completing the WSET Level 4 Diploma in 2010. From 2014 to 2016 he managed the fine wine department of a startup wine company in London, before joining Decanter as digital sub-editor.

Outside of wine, James enjoys cooking, skiing, playing guitar and cycling.