Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are two of the most popular white wines in the world. These crowd-pleasing varieties are typically dry, offer pleasant fruit aromas, and refreshing acidity. Their mass appeal gives these bottles the top spot on many restaurant by-the-glass lists and store shelves across the U.S.
Because of their crisp and easy-drinking profiles, these grapes are often lumped together. But don’t give in to the misconception that they’re the same: These wines differ from each other in several major ways, including the regions they’re from, conditions they thrive in, and overall flavor profile.
So, before you order your next glass of white, read on to discover the key differences between Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio.
Sauvignon Blanc vs. Pinot Grigio: Regions
Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio both originated in France, but now exist in regions across the globe. Within France, Sauvignon Blanc thrives in both Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, most notably in the subregions of Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé. While it’s believed that Pinot Grigio (known as Pinot Gris in French) originated in the Burgundy region, it’s now most commonly found in the sunny, mountainous region of Alsace on the German border.
While Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio both have a presence in northern Italy, Pinot Grigio definitely dominates there. Most bottles of Pinot Grigio you’ll find on the shelves now are from the regions of Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Trentino-Alto Adige. The Veneto is known for producing bulk, budget Pinot Grigio, while higher-end expressions come
