Wine lovers everywhere have long debated the differences between Chardonnay vs Sauvignon Blanc wines, particularly in regards to dryness. While both white wines contain a range of flavor components, the presence of residual sugar, or other residual elements can have an impact on the level of sweetness one experiences when drinking either type. – Is chardonnay drier than sauvignon blanc?
Key takeaways
- Sauvignon blanc and Chardonnay grapes are both descendants of the vitis vinifera grape
- Chardonnay and sauvignon blanc both originate from France.
- Sauv Blanc originates from the Loire region whereas Chardonnay comes from Burgundy
- Sauvignon Blanc wine has citrus notes with hints of green apple and grassy scents comparable to Pinot grigio
- Chardonnay has notes of tropical fruits, melon or pineapple. Depending on the style of wine chardonnay also shows buttery notes
- Sauvignon blanc and Chardonnay pair well with fish, poultry, summer salad or goat cheese
Difference between sauvignon blanc and chardonnay?
When it comes to Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, there are many similarities between the two white wines. Both are white wines that can be enjoyed year round, with a variety of food pairings and tasting notes.
The most obvious similarity is that sauvignon blanc and Chardonnay come from the same family of grapes known as Vitis vinifera. Additionally, these two varietals share similar characteristics when it comes to flavor profiles and aroma.

Sauvignon Blancs are known for aromas such as citrus, green apples, herbal notes, and grassy scents while Chardonnays typically include buttery flavors like vanilla along with tropical fruits like melon and pineapple.
Both, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc grapes are used in the champagne region for the manufacture of Champagne. Chardonnay plays a major role compared to the Sauvignon Blanc grape.
Chardonnay grapes
It is a white wine that has been around for centuries and is one of the most popular wines in the world. This golden-hued beverage has a long and rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. In Burgundy, France, the Chardonnay grape was first cultivated in the 16th century.
The Chardonnay grape varietal was quickly adopted by numerous winemakers across Europe as it was praised for its rich flavor and versatility when blended with other varietals.

The popularity of Chardonnay wine continued to grow throughout the 19th century, especially after phylloxera hit French vineyards hard in 1860s. The Chardonnay grape varietals were then exported to other countries like Italy, Spain, Australia and California where its distinctive flavor has since become synonymous with high-quality white wines all over the world.
Sauvignon Blanc grapes
Sauvignon Blanc is a popular white wine variety that has been around since the 17th century. The origins of sauvignon blanc can be traced back to the Loire Valley in France, where sauvignon blanc was first created as an offshoot of the Sauvignon grape.
Pouilly-Fume is one of the most famous wine regions where sauvignon blanc grapes are grown next to the Bordeaux region. Sauvignon Blanc grapes are used for dry white wines like the Pouilly-Fume white wines but also for sweet dessert wines like the famous Sauternes wines with high residual sugar content.
Since then, Sauvignon Blanc has become a staple in many winemaking and wine regions all across Europe and beyond.

The taste of Sauvignon Blanc is characterized by its crisp, acidic notes and high levels of minerality. Depending on where the sauvignon blanc grapes are grown, it may also have aromas of green apple, green vegetables, lemon grass or even tropical fruit – making sauvignon blanc incredibly versatile for a range of dishes. Sauvignon Blanc pairs especially well with seafood and goat cheese due to its zesty nature and refreshing finish.
Chardonnay tasting notes
Chardonnay is a classic white grape variety that has earned its place in the pantheon of popular wine varietals. There are two distinct styles of Chardonnay wines: oaked and unoaked.

Oaked chardonnay
Oaked Chardonnays have been very dry wines aged with oak barrels; these wines often exhibit a complexity of flavors, including toasty notes, hints of vanilla, and buttery aromas. The vanilla aroma is extracted from the oak barrel. Oaked chardonnay is a full bodied wine. The fact of having oaked and unoaked wines allows to differentiate chardonnay vs sauvignon blanc and other white wine varietals.
The round buttery notes in this white wine are obtained by malolactic fermentation. Malolactic fermentation can be an additional step in the production of this white wine.
Unoaked chardonnay
Unoaked Chardonnays are fermented in stainless steel tanks and tend to be fruitier with floral aromas of white peach, apple blossom and passion fruit. Depending on your preference for warm or cold climates, you can find an array of white wines as well as sparkling wines full of nuanced flavors from either style.
Colder climates yield chardonnay wines with a distinct acidity and aromas of white peach an apple blossom. In regions with higher temperatures such as California, South of France or South America wines with tropical fruit aromas are produced.
Sauvignon Blanc tasting notes
Sauvignon Blanc, a crisp and refreshing white wine, is one of the most popular varietals on the market. It has a unique flavor that can range from slightly sweet white wine to sour depending on how Sauvignon Blanc is produced. The aroma of Sauvignon Blanc white wine can vary greatly depending on the type of climate in which it was grown. In warmer climates, where temperatures are consistently higher, Sauvignon Blanc offers strong tropical fruit aromas such as banana and guava while in cooler climates it features more herbaceous notes such as green bell pepper or even grassy notes.

Differences between Chardonnay vs Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay vs Sauvignon Blanc are two of the most popular types of white wines, with the grape varietals of both featuring distinct flavor profiles. While they may appear similar, there are stark differences between these two varietals that set them apart from one another.
Chardonnay wine is a full-bodied white wine with a golden hue. It can have an oaky aroma with hints of butter, vanilla and almond.
The flavor profile is often described as creamy and smooth with notes of tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. Chardonnays also tend to have higher alcohol content than Sauvignon Blancs.
Sauvignon Blanc is a light-bodied white wine known for its crispness and acidity. Its aroma has strong citrus notes such as lime, grapefruit fresh peach or lemon grass followed by herbal scents such fresh herbs such as bell pepper or tomato leaf. Due to its green notes sauvignon blanc is often compared with pinot grigio.
If you prefer dry white wine a cold climate chardonnay is your best choice as they tend to be drier than a warm climate Sauvignon blanc. In case you prefer fruity white wine Sauvignon blanc is your drink!
Chardonnay food pairings
Chardonnay is a popular white wine that can be oaked or unoaked. Oaked Chardonnay has a robust, buttery flavor that pairs well with heartier dishes like roasted chicken, baked salmon and seafood dishes. Unoaked Chardonnay has a light and crisp taste that perfectly complements salads, raw vegetables and lighter fare such as grilled fish.
When pairing food with an oaked Chardonnay, consider foods with cream-based sauces or those prepared with butter. To pair with an unoaked Chardonnay, opt for foods that won’t overpower the subtle flavor of the wine such as chicken salads or other light dishes.
For added complexity in your meal pairings, combine both oaked and unoaked chardonnais to highlight the complexities of both wines against one dish.
Sauvignon blanc food pairings
Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, fruity white wine that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s unique taste and high acidity make it a great pairing for many different types of food. From appetizers to main courses, here are some of the best food pairings for Sauvignon Blanc.
To start off the meal, lean protein dishes like seafood, poultry and pork all pair wonderfully with Sauvignon Blanc. The acidic quality of the wine cuts through fatty proteins. The fresh fruit flavors like grapefruit and melon bring out delicious notes in the dish.
For appetizers, try pairing your Sauvignon Blanc with creamy cheeses or roasted vegetables. These light flavors will create a perfect balance between rich cheese and tart citrus notes in the wine.
Wine | Varietal | Country | Food | Course |
---|---|---|---|---|
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Pouilly Fumee | France | smoked salmon and halibut blinis | Starter |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre | France | Tuna and swordfish carpaccio with avocado wedges | Starter / Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre | France | grilled salmon | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre | France | sweatwater fish | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre | France | lemongrass chicken | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough | New Zealand | Cotriade (Fish stew) | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough | New Zealand | Haddock with poached egg and cream, green cabbage | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough | New Zealand | Cold asparagus with mousseline sauce | Starter / Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough | New Zealand | Plate of smoked fish | Starter / Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough | New Zealand | Grilled ocotpus | Starter / Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough | New Zealand | Salad of mussels and rice | Starter / Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough | New Zealand | Sushi | Starter / Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough | New Zealand | Grilled king prawns | Starter / Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough | New Zealand | Grilled Turbot with lemon butter | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough | New Zealand | Peppers stuffed with cod brandade | Starter / Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Eden Valley | Australia | Haddock with poached egg and cream, green cabbage | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Patagonia | Chile | Haddock with poached egg and cream, green cabbage | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Colli orientali del friuli | Italy | Scallops steamed with algue vapor | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Walker Bay | South Africa | Scallops steamed with algue vapor | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Menetou-Salon | France | Trout in Riesling with young potato gratin | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca, Aconcagua Valley | Chile | Trout in Riesling with young potato gratin | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch | South Africa | Chicken Stew (Chicken pot-au-feu) | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Pessac Leognan | France | Shrimp and curry risotto | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Pessac Leognan | France | Shrim tempura | Starter / Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Pessac Leognan | France | Cooked Scalops with coarse sea salt, pepper and leeks | Starter / Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Pessac Leognan | France | Curry lobster | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Pessac Leognan | France | Lobster, american style | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion Blend, Victoria | Australia | Shrimp and curry risotto | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Menetou-Salon | France | Porc chops with sweat sauce | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Pessac Leognan | France | Porc chops with sweat sauce | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch | South Africa | Porc chops with sweat sauce | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Pouilly Fumee | France | Tacos with fish | Starter / Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Eden Valley | Australia | Tacos with fish | Starter / Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough | New Zealand | Tacos with fish | Starter / Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion Blend, Victoria | Australia | Tacos with fish | Starter / Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion Blend, Victoria | Australia | Ham (Prosciutto, Virginia, Serrano or Gammon) | Starter |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough | New Zealand | Ham (Prosciutto, Virginia, Serrano or Gammon) | Starter |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Pessac Leognan | France | Ham (Prosciutto, Virginia, Serrano or Gammon) | Starter |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Loire | France | Smoked and Savory Hams (Black Forest Ham, Irish Ham, Westphalian Ham) | Starter |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough | New Zealand | Arroz con Pollo | Main Course |
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough | New Zealand | Paella | Main Course |
Malolactic fermentation
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are two of the most popular white wine grapes in the world. They are both widely used in many different styles of winemaking. Malolactic fermentation is a process that converts tart-tasting malic acid into softer lactic acid. This results in a rounder, smoother flavor profile for the wines.
This process adds complexity and texture to chardonnay while also softening some of their more intense flavors. It yields hearty, crisp white wine that varieties admired by wine drinkers.

When it comes to Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, mostly sauvignon blanc sweet chardonnay is oaked. Only very few examples of sauvignon blanc which is stored in oak barrels are known.
White wine for Pinot Grigio drinkers
Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are all popular white wines. They each offer different flavor notes and aromas, making them ideal choices for various occasions. To help you decide which of these white wines to choose, let’s compare how Pinot Grigio and sauvignon blanc each stacks up against Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
Do you prefer Sauvignon Blanc? A light-bodied wine with delicate aromas of pear, citrus fruits and green apple Pinot Grigio can be an alternative. Both pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc are typically dry white wines with crisp acidity and a hint of minerality on the finish.
Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are two popular white wines from Italy and France. Though the names may sound similar, these two types of wine are actually quite different in both taste and origin.
If you like Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris Sauvignon Blanc wine may be an alternative choice.
What is the driest white wine
When it comes to white wines, few can match the sheer dryness and crisp profile of a bone-dry Riesling. Originating from Germany, this elegant wine boasts a tantalizing combination of acidity and minerality that sets it apart from other varietals.
Even in its driest form, a well-made Riesling manages to balance its lack of residual sugar with distinct fruity notes, making it a favorite amongst those who appreciate a clean and refreshing finish.
If you’re seeking an alternative to Riesling, look no further than the distinctive Sauvignon Blanc. Hailing from regions like New Zealand or France’s Loire Valley, Sauvignon Blanc is renowned for its zesty citrus flavors and herbaceous undertones.
These white wines are followed by cold climate chardonnay like Chablis or Petit Chablis wines. The signature high acidity of this varietal contributes to its bone-dry nature, creating a vibrant sipping experience that pairs perfectly with light fare or as a standalone refresher on warm summer days.
Pinot Grigio vs Pinot Gris
Pinot Grigio and Pin the northern regions of Italy, while Pinot Gris comes from Alsace and other regions in France. While their names may suggest otherwise, Pinot Grigio is generally a light-bodied dry wine with bright citrus flavors and hints of green apple. Pinot Gris has an medium body with notes of honeyed apricots, baked peaches passion fruit, spice, tangerines and more.