There are so many different white wines out there. While some people might hate white wine, there is sure to be a type of white wine out there for everyone! Both Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are white wines.
Pinot Grigio is a refreshing and zesty white wine. It is one of the most popular white wines in America. Sauvignon Blanc originates from France, and the taste can range from zesty to peachy. One of the differences between these two wines is the aromatics.
Let us look at the differences between Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, specifically their taste, smell, production, and alcohol content.
The Differences in Taste Between Pinot Grigio And Sauvignon Blanc
While both Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc can be dry or sweet wines, the taste differs based on where the wine originated. Pinot Grigio is sweeter than your average wine and has a lot of fruity flavors and a sugary taste left from the production process. You might taste flavors like lime, lemon, pear, white nectarine, and apple.
Italian Pinot Grigio is generally totally dry with brilliant acidity with a bitter almond note, while American Pinot Grigio often has more exaggerated fruit flavors and with less acidity. As a result, this wine feels almost like silk in the mouth.
Sauvignon Blanc is dryer than Pinot Grigio and tastes like lime, passion fruit, or lemons. Some of the hints you can get from tasting Sauvignon Blanc include:
- Fruity flavors like white peach, grapefruit, lime, pear, passion fruit, and other tropical fruit
- A hint of grass, lemongrass, or tarragon
- Hints of green bell pepper, jalapeño, vanilla, nutmeg, or clove
- Earthy or mineral tones like wet stone and chalk (sometimes described as flinty, which refers to flint rock that forms on chalk)
The Differences In Aroma
Pinot Grigio smells sweeter than Sauvignon Blanc. You might also notice hints of:
- baking spices
- lemon
- lime
- apple
- almonds
- stone fruit
- honeysuckle.
Sauvignon Blanc is acidic by nature and, as such, has a citrus smell. Its smell is also associated with gooseberry, elderflower, freshly cut grass, lime, and passion fruit. Now and then, it can have a bad smell, almost like cat urine. Other weird smells include:
- Asparagus
- Toast
- Bell peppers
- Butter
- Green beans
- Hay
- Jalapeño
- Smoke
- Grass
Alcohol Content Of Pinto Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc Is The Same
Depending on the wine-makers, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc have alcohol percentages of usually 12.5% to 13.5%. Thus, both are in the moderate alcohol by volume zone.
Production Differences Between Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Grigio originated in France and is also known as Pinot Gris. This wine migrated to Italy in the 12th century, where it became known as Pinot Grigio. It is predominantly made in Italy.
The grapes used are a mutation of the Pinot Noir grape and are harvested early for the production of Pinot Grigio. The fermentation and storage take place in stainless steel tanks to retain the freshness of the grapes. It has to be fermented at a cool temperature.
Sauvignon Blanc is also fermented in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures to maximize its fruit potential. As a result, it is usually fermented for a few months and then bottled and consumed within a month or so.
Both wines are produced similarly, with grapes harvested and crushed, followed by fermentation at low temperatures.
Foods To Pair With Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio compliments seafood, salads, and chicken. Try to pair this wine with the following dishes:
- Antipasta. The salt will tame the acidity of Pinot Grigio and goes well with creamy cheeses, salty olives and meats, sweet or tart fruits, and jelly.
- Chicken piccata. The salt and lemon in this dish greatly complement the characteristics of Pinot Grigio.
- Shrimp scampi. Shellfish and Pinot Grigio pair well together! The shrimp, lemon, and butter will surely complement the citrus flavor and acidity of Pinot Grigio.
Foods To Pair With Sauvignon Blanc
You will want to pair citrussy Sauvignon Blanc with:
- Mexican food
- Chicken
- Grilled or fried fish
- Sharp cheeses
- Salads
Best Pinot Grigio Wines
Not all Pinot Grigio wines are the same. The taste also depends on the region where the wine was made. These are three of the best Pinot Grigio wines:
- Overall, the best is the 2018 Four Graces Pinot Gris from Willamette Valley, Oregon. This wine has taste hints of Peach, Pear, Apple, and butter. Its aroma has hints of pineapple, grapefruit, and honey.
- The best Italian is the Pighin Pinot Grigio with Tasting Notes of Underripe banana, White peach, and Lemongrass. It smells like flowers and sweet citrus.
- The best under $20 Pinot Grigio is the Villa Sandi Pinot Grigio from Veneto, Italy. It has Tasting Notes of Pear, Lime, Gooseberry, and Acacia, with a fruity and grassy smell.
Best Sauvignon Blanc Wines
No wine is the same. And this goes for Sauvignon Blanc as well! These are three of the best Sauvignon Blanc wines:
- Overall, the best is the Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc 2017 from California, Santa Barbara. It has Tasting Notes of lime zest, kiwi, and lemon.
- The Best French is the Ladoucette Pouilly-Fume 2018, with Tasting Notes of floral, lemon, lime, and honey. It is a refreshing, light, and dry wine.
- The Best Under $20 is the Dough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 from California. It has Tasting Notes of lemon and grapefruit.
Conclusion
Both white wines, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, are among the most classic and popular dry wines. The taste and smell of Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc depend on the production process and the environment. Both wines also have similar alcohol content, which is average.
You can pick up the flavors of the wine with just its aroma. Pinot Grigio can smell like lemon or lime, while Sauvignon Blanc has a more citrusy smell to it. Pinot Grigio has exaggerated fruity flavors, while Sauvignon Blanc tastes like lime, passion fruit, and lemon.
