How to distinguish Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay?
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are two of the most recognized varieties of white wine, whose vines are grown in different regions of the world. The distinctive characteristics of these two varieties are transmitted by various factors, such as: their origin, strain and the method of vinification.
Difference between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
The difference between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay can be noted by the medium-high acidity content and the tendency to give off fruity and herbaceous aromas of most Sauvignon Blanc wines.
For its part, Chardonnay provides us with lean, dry and slightly mineral wines (without oak) or fresh and fruity flavors leaving a lasting impression on the palate (aged in barrels).
Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay: Which variety is sweeter?
Whether a wine is sweet or not depends on the vinification process and is determined by the amount of residual sugar that remains after alcoholic fermentation; in a dry wine there is practically no residual sugar after fermentation.
Therefore, if the question is Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which is sweeter? The answer is that it determines the palate that perceives the sugar or fruity compounds after fermentation. Labels can help decipher the alcohol content and type of fermentation in a wine.
Sauvignon Blanc: Origin and main characteristics
Originally from the French region of Bordeaux, it is today one of the most widely planted white grape varieties in Chile, and some of the regions where its vineyards can be found are: the Elqui Valley, Casablanca and San Antonio.
The particularity of Sauvignon Blanc is its intense citrus aroma, it is fresh, elegant and in the mouth there is good acidity, concentration, minerality and herbal touches.
Sauvignon Blanc pairing
Ideal to combine with preparations that include: seafood, white meat, spices, cheeses and vegetables that require a fresh wine, with good acidity, light and aromatic. It is also possible to combine with different varieties of cheese and sausages, it is recommended to serve at a temperature of 8 to 10 degrees C.
Chardonnay: Origin and main characteristics
Being one of the best-selling wines in the world, and originally from the French region of Burgundy, this varietal has the ability to adopt the notes of the terroir. In Chilean territory, this variety is grown in the valleys of Casablanca, San Antonio, Aconcagua and LimarÃ.
Chardonnay is a light-bodied wine with an impressive range of flavors offering a creamy profile with a hazelnut, honey and caramel aroma when it has been aged in the barrel, which provides it with a distinctive buttery aroma.
If the aging process of the Chardonnay has not included aging, it is possible to obtain a wine with greater acidity, minerality with aromas of lime, apple, peach, pineapple, mango and in some cases floral notes.
Chardonnay pairing
Chardonnay combines perfectly with seafood, fish, white meat, pasta, it complements very well those toasted flavors of baked dough and caramelized vegetables or recipes based on cream or butter.
Chardonnay harmonizes well with fresh fruit such as avocado, garlic, salads, grilled shrimp and it is recommended to serve them ideally cold (10 – 12 degrees C), to elevate the experience.
Cono Sur produces premium wines with vibrant styles, aromatic, fresh and with very good acidity, among which the whites Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay stand out. Learn more on our website.