Pinot Grigio Vs Sauvignon Blanc: The Differences

Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are two popular variations of white wine, and whilst they’re both similar in colour and can be hard to distinguish visually, Sauvignon Blanc has a stronger aroma and drier taste.

After a long week, there's nothing better than sitting down with a cold glass of white wine. There’s no easy way to choose which type of white wine to purchase, especially if you don't know what sets them apart. Read on to find out how Pinot Grigio differs from Sauvignon Blanc.

Pinot Grigio

Thought to be a clone of the Pinot Noir variety, Pinot Grigio has proven to be a popular alcoholic drink. The reason so many people enjoy having a glass of fresh Pinot Grigio is that it’s light-bodied, has strong floral notes and can be served with ice - making it the perfect summer beverage.

Pinot Grigio is typically made with grapes from Italy's north-western wine region, where the climate is cooler compared to the rest of the country. The grapes that are grown in the vineyard to make Pinot Grigio are grey in colour and sometimes look blue.

The common flavours that can be found in Pinot Grigio are lemon, lime, apple and apricot. As well as having an array of fruity flavours, Pinot Grigio also has hints of honey, almond and spice.

Depending on the varietal, Pinot Grigio is known for being dry. Although you can get sweeter versions of Pinot Grigio, the acidity is generally higher in white wine compared to the likes of Rosé, meaning no matter the sweetness, a distinctive dry taste will always be there.

Sauvignon Blanc

Boasting a variety of tropical flavours, Sauvignon Blanc is a well-known white wine enjoyed by many. Aged in either steel or oak barrels, Sauvignon Blanc has subtle hints of vanilla and custard, as well as strong citrus-driven flavours.

High in acidity, Sauvignon Blanc is considered to be one of the driest wines, which can be noticed through its crisp taste. Sauvignon Blanc is native to France but grows globally in a selection of wine-making regions.

Prized for having a unique palate, bell peppers, elderflower, fresh herbs and grass are some of the flavours that have been picked up in Sauvignon Blanc. The vegetal notes found in Sauvignon Blanc come from a group of organic compounds called Pyrazines.

Pyrazine compounds are typically found in white wine but have been discovered in certain red wines as well, such as Merlot and Cabernet. Although Sauvignon is known for its dry taste, you can get sweeter variations.

Sweet-tasting Sauvignon Blanc is rare to find, but when it is, it's usually used as a dessert wine. Marmalade, apricot and saffron are notable in sweet Sauvignon Blanc, which is why it pairs so well with desserts.

Differences Between Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc

The key difference between Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc is aromatics. Pinot Grigio doesn’t have a strong smell and is distinct in being neutral, whereas Sauvignon Blanc has a particular aroma that can’t go unnoticed. Because Sauvignon Blanc is so flavoursome, the smell tends to jump out of the glass and fill your nostrils with exotic essence.

Many people believe all white wine looks the same. If you’re an avid wine drinker or connoisseur, then you’ll know that each style of wine has a different appearance.

Pinot Grigio is lighter-bodied, making it lighter in colour. With hints of green and gold, Pinot Grigio is a similar colour to straw. The fresher Pinot Grigio is, the clearer it’ll be.

In comparison to Pinot Grigio, the colour of Sauvignon Blanc is a deeper shade of yellow. Although Pinot Grigio has a similar appearance, you’ll be able to tell the two apart by noticing that Sauvignon Blanc is a darker shade of yellow and has prominent hues of gold.

Food that Pairs Well with Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc

People believe you should pair wine with food of a similar colour, which is why we serve steak with red wine and fish or chicken with white. Both Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc can be enjoyed with a variety of delicious food mostly consisting of seafood, poultry, fresh vegetables or Mediterranean-style salads.

Although Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are both variations of white wine, should they be served alongside the same food?

Pinot Grigio

Matching best with fresh, salty flavours, we recommend pairing Pinot Grigio with light pasta dishes, herb-infused rice and chicken. Anything that can be cooked with lemon should also be paired with Pinot Grigio because of its citrusy notes.

Known for its nutty flavours and hints of almond, Pinot Grigio is an ideal match for white meat like chicken and turkey.

Pinot Grigio can be drunk as an extension of a meal or alone, offering fruity flavours and explosions of citrus. Known for its delicate consistency, Pinot Grigio acts as a great starter wine before eating a meal - this is due to having fewer overbearing flavours compared to Sauvignon Blanc.

Sauvignon Blanc

Perfect to pair with many dishes, Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most versatile white wines available. As discussed, Sauvignon Blanc is brightly acidic and carries herbal qualities due to a chemical compound called Pyrazines.

Having a variety of unique flavours allows Sauvignon Blanc to be paired with a variety of foods. Surprisingly, one of the most popular types of food to pair Sauvignon Blanc with is cheese.

Goats cheese, fontina, brie and feta are among the list of simple-tasting cheeses that go well with Sauvignon Blanc. Overly pungent cheese doesn’t pair well with Sauvignon Blanc because of its citrusy flavour, which could throw your taste buds off.

Shellfish is known for pairing well with Sauvignon Blanc. Mussels, oysters, lobster and prawns are best served alongside a glass of ice-cold Sauvignon Blanc, thanks to its earthy flavours.

Citrus-infused seafood and a side of steamed vegetables or garlic potatoes is the ultimate combination to go with Sauvignon Blanc.

Similar to Chardonnay and other white wines, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are best served chilled. Both Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc pair well with the same fresh ingredients and not only are they great to sip throughout a meal, but the two also make great cooking wine if you want to add extra tartness to food.

ThinK Wine

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