While it might seem difficult to compare Sauvignon Blanc vs Pinot Grigio because they are both crisp, easy-drinking white wines, they are completely unique in flavor profiles. Just because you like one, doesn’t mean you’ll love the other!
The biggest difference between Sauvignon Blanc vs Pinot Grigio?
Sauvignon Blanc tends to have higher acidity than Pinot Grigio, lending to a crisper, more tart flavor. Pinot Grigio, on the other hand, tends to be a more neutral wine.
Also, Sauvignon Blanc is known for its flavors of freshly cut grass and tropical fruit notes, whereas Pinot Grigio displays mild floral aromas with subtle fruit flavors of apple, lemon, and pear.
By understanding what you like or dislike about a particular wine and comparing it to others in your repertoire, you can become a better wine taster and hone into your perfect wines!
Sauvignon Blanc vs Pinot Grigio Flavor Comparisons
When it comes to Sauvignon Blanc vs Pinot Grigio flavors, the most notable difference is the level of acidity, followed by the fruit flavors that display in each wine.
What does Sauvignon Blanc Taste Like?
Sauvignon Blanc originated from the Bordeaux region of France and today is widely planted all over the world. It grows well in both warm and cool climate regions, developing unique flavors depending on where it’s grown.
Most Sauvignon Blanc is noted for its notes of gooseberry, fresh herbs, lime, passionfruit, and elderflower. Sauvignon Blanc grapes have a compound known as pyrazine, which are not found in all varieties. These lead to those green, herbaceous, and vegetal notes in the wine.
Sauvignon Blanc is also more acidic than Pinot Grigio, which leads to more tart flavors in the wine.
What does Pinot Grigio Taste Like?
Pinot Grigio is a dry white wine with mild fruit flavors. It’s known for its subtle notes of apple, lemon, and pear, as well as a touch of spice. It’s crisp, fresh, and uncomplicated. This dry wine has a light to medium body.
Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are actually the same grape variety, however, refer to different styles of winemaking. Wines marked as “Pinot Grigio” are typically Italian-style (dry, crisp, with citrus aromas and a light body). Wines marked as “Pinot Gris” are French Style, and often come from Alsace.
Pinot Grigio is a very neutral, easy-drinking wine.
Read more: The Complete Guide to Pinot Grigio
Sauvignon Blanc vs Pinot Grigio Food Pairings
The bracing and refreshing acidity of Sauvignon Blanc makes it a great wine for many lighter dishes, especially seafood, as well as foods with spicy heat. Personally, I love it paired with creamy lobster bisque or Thai fish cakes. Yum!
Pinot Grigio, on the other hand, is a neutral wine, making it easy to pair with just about anything – pizza, seafood, light or creamy sauces, chicken, pork… you name it! The fruity flavors are mild enough to compliment most dishes.
Sauvignon Blanc vs Pinot Grigio Conclusion
Both Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are two of the great white wines in the world, however, they are different types of wine with their own unique flavors and personalities. Depending on your favorite style of wine and your mood, you may find yourself reaching for a glass of one or the other!
Do you have a favorite between the two? Let me know in the comments below.
Suggested: Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Review
For all you Sauvignon Blanc lovers out there, I’ve reviewed one of Marlborough’s best – Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc. Check out the full review and tasting notes!
>> Read the post here <<
Sauvignon Blanc vs Pinot Grigio FAQs
No! Pinot Grigio tends to be made in a dry style with no residual sugar. Because of its soft, neutral fruit flavors, however, many people misunderstand the wine and assume it is sweet.
No! Sauvignon Blanc is usually crafted in a dry style with no residual sugar. It often displays big, bold, tart tropical fruit notes, however, which some people may misunderstand and think are “sweet”. Most Sauvignon Blanc is not sweet and is, in fact, a dry wine.
What is the difference between Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc?
Both Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are white wines. However, Sauvignon Blanc tends to be more tart and acidic, with herbaceous and tropical fruit notes. Pinot Grigio, on the other hand, is a more mild white wine with soft fruit and flavor notes, followed by delicate spice.
Which is drier – Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc?
Because Pinot Grigio has softer fruit flavors and a dash of spice, it often comes across as “drier” than Sauvignon Blanc. However, both wine styles are typically crafted without residual sugar and are both dry wines.
