It’s hard to manage two BFF’s. Favor one more than the other and drama is guaranteed.
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are a similar situation. It’s hard to say which we love more and no doubt are two of the most popular white wines in the world, with each wine taking on a different style and approach. Without playing favorites, here are our favorite styles and characteristics of each variety.
Tropical fruit, rich, buttery and nutty
Considered the “Queen” of white grape varieties, the style of Chardonnay we love is smooth and rich with dominating fruit flavors of apple, peach, melon and balanced with good citrus and acidity. Winemakers particularly love Chardonnay for its blank canvas quality, which is perfect for discovering new ways to deliver varying flavors and styles. It is one of the few white wines that age well in an oak barrel, which can add unique creamy, buttery, nutty, vanilla-like flavors. Though not as popular as the oaked version, unoaked Chardonnay is quickly developing a following amidst the Chard drinkers who prefer the wine’s more stripped-down crisp fruit driven characteristics (no oak), somewhat similar to a Sauvignon Blanc.
Still, regardless of different variations and styles, Chardonnay tends to be made in a bolder, richer style influenced by oak. The best and priciest come from Burgundy in France, in addition to more affordable and high quality options from Russian River and the Central Coast of California. Chardonnay pairs deliciously well with a wide assortment of foods, especially creamy dishes, soft cheeses, and richer fish such as salmon and swordfish.
...Or crisp, dry and zesty?
By contrast, Sauvignon Blanc is more refreshing, higher in acidity and lighter than Chardonnay with aromatics ranging from fresh cut grass, gooseberry and grapefruit to fruitier notes of peach passion fruit and melon. Though some Sauvignon Blanc wines see the inside of an oak barrel, it’s less likely for it to have as strong of an oak influence as Chardonnay.
Sauvignon Blanc is produced in a variety of styles with the best made in Marlborough, New Zealand and Sancerre, in France. This wine is the perfect to enjoy underneath the sun, also making it a great choice for any barbecue. Because of its great citrus flavors, the wine pairs well with foods such as grilled summer vegetables, fish, seafood and sushi. It is also a great wine for green salads in vinaigrette dressing and other tart foods.
Whether you prefer the crispness of Sauvignon Blanc or the rich tropical taste of Chardonnay, both are exceptional white wines certainly worthy of a pour.
To learn more about our eco. love Sauvignon Blanc and Truvée Chardonnay; please visit the ‘Wine’ section of our website. Cheers!