Chardonnay vs. Sauvignon Blanc: What's the better choice? While they are both dry white wines, they still have a unique difference. For instance, one is slightly sweeter than the other. One is fuller-bodied. One is also less acidic.
Sauvignon Blanc originated in the city of Bordeaux in France in the 1500s. It's a mixture of different fruits that has hints of grapefruit, lime, and lemon. The history of Chardonnay is a bit older. It originated in the 12th century and was made in the Chablis region of France.
This article covers the major differences that exist between these two white wines. We look at the history, the taste differences, and the best foods to eat with each one. Understanding their unique differences can give you an idea of what you enjoy more.
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Sauvignon Blanc vs. Chardonnay: How Are They Made?
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular white wines in the world. Known for its fruitiness and acidity, Sauvignon Blanc is most notably grown in New Zealand, France, and Italy. Additionally, Sauvignon Blanc is often referred to as the grapes and wine made. They are also now found in Chile and California.
One of the distinguishing features of Sauvignon Blanc is the aromatic blend. The most popular kind of Sauvignon Blanc is a dry wine. You'll also find that Sauvignon Blanc is made from one grape variety. Another unique fact about this white wine is that it is the parent grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, another popular wine. Sauvignon Blanc vs. Chardonnay has an aroma that hints of flora and green, different from the oakiness of chardonnay.
When it comes to Chardonnay, there's a unique process for creating this fine wine. The best chardonnay is found in Southern and eastern Australia, Napa Valley, and Mendoza, Argentina. One of the things that makes Chardonnay different from other wines, especially Sauvignon Blanc, is the tannins that come from the seeds of the grapes. The wine is also made in stainless steel and oak barrels to give the wine more complexity.
What's the Taste Difference?
There's a significant taste difference between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. One of those differences is influenced by how much alcohol is in each one. For example, Sauvignon Blanc has between 12.5% and 13.5% alcohol, while Chardonnay has between 13.5% and 14.5%, only slightly more alcohol content.
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Another taste difference is in how bright the wine tastes. For example, Chardonnay is known to taste richer and fuller-bodied. It also feels like you are tasting so many notes at once. On the other hand, Sauvignon Blanc has a lighter taste to it. It's sometimes considered fruitier.
Here are the most popular Sauvignon Blanc wines.
- 2022 Ancient Peaks Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles: This wine offers hints of nectarines, oranges, and pineapple that's perfect for a summer evening.
- 2021 Bricoleur Vineyards Kick Ranch Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc: This popular wine tastes grapefruit and lemon pith, hard apples, and a hint of lemongrass.
- 2022 Cliff Lede Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley: This tasty wine has notes of white figs, sweet pears, aniseed, and guava.
Here are the most popular Chardonnay wines.
- J. Lohr 2019 Riverstone Chardonnay: This wine has a robust fruity flavor. It has notes of ripe pear, gardenia, and apple.
- Golden 2019 Chardonnay: This white wine offers hints of peach, sea salt, macadamia nut, and lemon.
- Four Vines 2019 Naked Chardonnay: This popular wine has hints of jasmine and guava.
What to Eat With Either Wine
While these wines are great to drink alone, they are even better when you pair them with different foods, from cheeses to desserts.
Here are some of the best foods with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
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- Cheeses: Brie, Feta, Gouda, and Camembert are some of the best cheeses to pair with either wine.
- Pasta: Wine mixed with your pasta or on the side is a great way to drink Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Dessert: These wines are best with light, tart, and tangy desserts to bring out the full flavor of the wine.
What Wine Should You Drink?
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are some of the finest kinds of wines in the world. They offer different types of wine, from full-bodied to something later, and they also complement other kinds of meals. Finding what you like requires different blends of wine and trying them with different foods.
Overall, these unique wines have different ways of being made. You must understand their history and how they are made to better appreciate them. You have to try them and see if you can taste the notes that arise from them. Doing that will give you an idea of which wine you like more.
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