Wine connoisseurs around the world love Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
They’re both white wines, but they have quite different flavor profiles.
We’ll discuss Chardonnay vs Sauvignon Blanc so you can understand both of these wines and decide which one will be your next sip!
What is Sauvignon Blanc Wine?
Sauvignon is a white grape variety that originates from France.
The grape is often used in wine production and is known for its crisp, dry flavor.
Sauvignon Blanc wines are typically light-bodied and have high acidity levels, making them ideal for pairing with light foods.
The grape is also used in the production of sparkling wine, as well as dessert wines, so there are quite a few flavors associated with the Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
What is Chardonnay Wine?
Chardonnay is a white wine grape that originated in the Burgundy region of France.
The grape is now planted in many of the world’s top wine regions, including California, Australia, and Italy.
Chardonnay wines are typically medium to full-bodied with moderate acidity. The wines often have flavors of green apples, citrus fruits, and oak.
A glass of Chardonnay wine can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods.
Popular food pairings include roasted chicken, grilled salmon, and pasta dishes.
There are many different styles of Chardonnay wine, depending on where they are produced and how they are aged.
Oak-aged Chardonnays, on the other hand, have a richer body and oakier flavors that give them a more complex, buttery character.
It pairs fantastically with foods that have a nutty or roasted flavor.
Some people prefer unoaked Chardonnays, which have a crisp acidity with fresh fruit flavors.
While unoaked chardonnay has somewhat of a buttery finish it isn’t as pronounced.
Check out this video to understand the differences between the methods of aging Chardonnay that give it the unique buttery finish that people love.
Differences in Flavor
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are two popular types of white wine that are commonly enjoyed by wine enthusiasts around the world.
While they have many similarities, such as their crisp flavor and refreshing aroma, there are also some key differences between them.
One major difference between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc is their flavor profiles.
Chardonnay wines tend to be rich and full-bodied, with flavors of oak, vanilla, butter, cream, and tropical fruits like pineapple or mango.
In contrast, Sauvignon Blanc wines have more subtle fruit flavors like green apple or pear along with grassy notes that give the wines a bright and refreshing taste.
Differences in Origin
Another difference between these two types of wine is their region of origin.
Chardonnay wines are typically made in cooler climates like France or California.
Sauvignon Blanc wines are typically produced in warmer regions like New Zealand or Chile.
This climate difference can also affect the flavor of the wines.
Chardonnay often takes on more oak and cream flavors from barrel aging in cooler temperatures while Sauvignon Blanc develops brighter fruit flavors in warmer conditions.
Differences in Price
Finally, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines differ in terms of price point.
In general, Chardonnay wines are going to be more expensive than Sauvignon Blanc due to the higher costs associated with growing grapes and producing the wines in colder climates.
This doesn’t mean that Sauvignon Blanc is always a more budget-friendly option.
And it doesn’t always mean that price dictates the flavor of the wine.
Just because a certain wine is a little cheaper to produce doesn’t necessarily mean that the lower price indicates an inferior bottle of wine.
We suggest giving them a taste before you decide.
Food Pairing
Many different types of food can be paired with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
When it comes to simple recipes like roasted white meat, vegetables, and charcuterie, either one is a good choice.
Here are some foods that pair well with both Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc:
- Pork
- Chicken
- Roasted vegetables
- Light cheese
- Bread and pastries
- Nuts
- Cold cuts
- Seafood
- Fish
- Cream soups
When pairing Chardonnay with food, it is important to consider the weight of the wine.
Oaked Chardonnay is typically a full-bodied wine, which means that it can stand up to heartier dishes.
For this reason, Chardonnay pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, as well as roasted vegetables and hearty soups.
Additionally, Chardonnay can be served with cheeses like Brie or Camembert, which have a rich, buttery flavor that complements the robustness of this wine.
Lighter white wines can’t pull off this pairing.
Similarly, Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with a variety of foods due to its crisp and refreshing characteristics.
When choosing food to pair with Sauvignon Blanc, it is important to keep in mind that this wine is usually best enjoyed when it is slightly chilled in a beverage cooler.
As such, seafood and poultry tend to be good options for pairing with Sauvignon Blanc.
In particular, dishes like grilled salmon or baked chicken would go nicely with this wine.
Additionally, Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with light cheeses like goat cheese or brie, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Read More: What Wine Goes with Pizza? We tried different wine pairings to see which wine is best for pizza! Here’s what we discovered.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are two popular white wine varietals that offer distinctive flavors and aromas with a lot of overlap in their enjoyment.
Ultimately the best way to decide which one is the best is to taste them for yourself! Attend a wine tasting event to see which one you prefer.