Discover the differences between Sauv blanc vs pinot grigio in this white wine guide. These wine grapes both offer appealing natural acidity and reasonable alcohol levels. Despite those similarities, Sauvignon Bland and Pinot Grigio have very different flavor profiles.
Pinot Grigio vs Sauvignon Blanc: Differences & Comparisons
Each grape variety has certain tendencies which make them different. Discover the main differences so that you can identify these wines in a blind tasting and choose the style of wine you like.
Flavor Profile
The primary fruity flavors in Pinot Grigio are lime, apple, and pear. The Sauvignon Blanc fruity flavors usually include passion fruit, white peach, and green apple. Both of these wines have apple notes in common.
To get your wine tasting started, check out these suggestions for good Sauvignon Blanc.
Aroma Profile
Aroma is a significant difference between these wines. Sauvignon Blanc tends to have a stronger aroma than Pinot Grigio. Specifically, Sauvignon Blanc offers a herbaceous aroma which makes it blend well with vegetable dishes. In contrast, Pinot Grigio has more reserved aromas of honeysuckle. In some cases, Pinot Grigio is best described as having a neutral aroma.
Dry Wine vs Sweet Wine
Most wine produced today is made in a dry wine style. However, both white wine grapes can be made in a sweet wine style. Therefore, it is easy to find Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Grigio in the dry white wine category. Generally, you can assume that both white wine varieties are made in a dry style when you’re at a restaurant or wine tasting.
Alcohol Content
Sauvignon Blanc vs Pinot Grigio have subtle differences in alcohol content. Unlike the moderate alcohol content of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc has a relatively high alcohol by volume – over 12% is typical. In contrast, wine makers usually make Pinot Grigio with lower alcohol levels – expect 12.5-13.5%.
Acidity
Along with fruit flavors, acidity is a critical factor in these white grape varieties. Talking about acidity levels at a dinner party is one way to show off your knowledge! The acidity makes a wine refreshing and different from sweeter wines.
When you pour Pinot Grigio into your glass of wine, you’ll notice the generous acidity immediately. In comparison, the acidic flavors of Sauv Blanc are different: high acidity is most common.
Of course, there are exceptions to everything in the wine world. The wine produced in warmer climates tends to have lower acidity and more robust fruity flavors (e.g., tropical fruits).
Oak Barrels Vs Stainless Steel
Beginner wine drinkers, take note. Knowing if your wine is aged in steel or oak is crucial. Sauv Blac and Pinot Grigio are usually not made as oaky whites. Instead, these types of wines are usually made in stainless steel tanks.
Instead of the buttery flavor added by oak barrels, these varieties emphasize citrus aromas, acidity, and tropical fruit flavors. Those who prefer a creamy wine experience should pick up an oaked Chardonnay (quite different from an unoaked Chardonnay in aroma potential and flavor).
Pinot Grigio vs Sauvignon Blanc: Wine Pairing
Pairing wine with food is one of the great joys of becoming a wine enthusiast. Personal taste counts for a great deal, of course. This wine guide will give you a wide range of starting points to enjoy your next meal even more.
Seafood Dishes
Acidic wines like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc go well with seafood dishes. This wine pairing works because the crispy wines counterbalance the salty nature of many seafood dishes. That said, you might want to stay away from the cream sauce or heavy cream. An oaked chardonnay is typically a better pairing for dishes with cream sauces
Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes
Green vegetables, salads, and lighter dishes go beautifully with the most popular types of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. The subtle flavors of lighter dishes tend to pair well with light dishes. This pairing is a great way to start a meal on a hot day.
Wine and Cheese Options
Cheese is the classic wine pair choice for several reasons. Wine and cheese, including goat cheese, have been paired together for thousands of years. For Pinot Grigio, I recommend mild cheeses like a mild cheddar. Sauv Blanc pairs best with soft cheeses like goat cheese and feta.
Spicy Food
Sweeter whites like semi sweet Riesling typically pair best with spicy food. What if your favorite grape varietals are different, like Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc? If you strongly prefer certain wines, then enjoy those wines by all means. There is a downside. You will miss out on some of the flavors of your spicy food or the wine when the food and wine do not pair well.
Italian Style Pairings
Enjoying Italian-style Pinot Grigio with Italian cuisine is always a great choice. Popular wine pairings that work well include lighter seafood dishes, antipasto, and lemon chicken. The citrus notes typically found in Pinot Grigio mean it pairs well with citrus dishes (i.e., dishes emphasizing lemon, lime, and citrus flavors).
When buying Pinot Grigio in Italy, there are a few wine regions that stand out. For example, look for Lombardy, Alta Adige, and the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. To fully appreciate the specific flavors of Italian wine, compare it to the same variety from France. In France, Alsatian wine producers use the term Pinot Gris, which is the same grape as Pinot Grigio.
Sauv Blanc vs Pinot Grigio In Summary
Sauv blanc vs pinot grigio wines have a lot in common. Of course, there are differences between New-World Pinot Grigio and Old-World Pinot Grigio. There are also differences in the approach to production for Sauv Blanc between areas like Loire Valley and New Zealand.
There are also multiple similarities between these wines. Both of these wines varietals tend to have appealing acidity. Therefore, they are a great choice in warmer weather. In addition, these wines pair well with seafood dishes and salads. There is a difference in cheese pairing, though: Pinot Grigio goes best with mild cheeses while Sauvignon Blanc is best for soft cheeses.
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