There are exceptions, of course, and two of my favorites are both produced in New York: the Channing Daughters Tocai Friulano, a crisp dry white made from a Friulian grape, and a minerally white Rkatsiteli, a Russian grape grown by Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars in the Finger Lakes district.

WSJ: The Unique Charms of 'Miscellaneous Wines' | On Wine by Lettie Teague

Up in chilly Oregon, where they use the name "Pinot Gris, " the grape has become the state's signature white wine.

FORBES: Wine & Spirts

Pinot Gris-or its wayward Italian sibling, Pinot Grigio (same grape, different name)-just might be your next white-wine love affair.

FORBES: White Wine From a Black Sheep

Pinot Gris--or its wayward Italian sibling, Pinot Grigio (same grape, different name)--just might be your next white-wine love affair.

FORBES: Pinot Gris makes the Pinot family proud.

The Zinfandel grape is also widely used in the popular off-dry blush wine known as White Zinfandel.

CNN: Wine varietals: A glossary