Chardonnay vs. Sauvignon Blanc: Battle of the Whites - Day 7

So I finally encountered my first blog dilemma!  Because I work Saturday and Sunday nights, I barely have any time on Sunday to write, let alone research different topics.  I do, however, have an article topic for today – the difference between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.  Here it goes…

The New Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia defines Chardonnay as “The greatest dry white wine grape in the world, despite its proliferation in virtually every commercial wine-making area.  Once erroneously thought to be a member of the Pinot family, this classic variety is responsible for producing the greatest white Burgundies and is one of the three major grape types used in the production of Champagne.”

Sauvignon Blanc is defined as “at its best-defined in the central vineyards of the Loire, where it produces characteristically aromatic dry wines.  In Bordeaux, the dry wines it makes have a dusty quality, although with earlier picking and improved vindication techniques this is now changing.  It is also used in Sauternes and Barsac blends."

While Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are both green-skinned grapes, Chardonnay is found in the Burgundy wine region of eastern France, and Sauvignon Blanc is found in the Bordeaux region.  Chardonnay grapes are one of the most popular.  Sauvignon Blanc, on the other hand, is crisp and dry and not as commonly sought after.  Chardonnay is an important component of many sparkling wines, including Champagne, and Sauvignon Blanc is an important component of many dessert wines.

Chardonnay pairs well with chicken and other white meats such as turkey.  It does not pair well with fish and seafood.  Sauvignon Blanc, on the other hand, pairs well with fish or cheese and are also one of the few wines that go well with sushi.  Also, Sauvignon Blanc was one of the first fine wines to be bottled with a screw top.  Further, it is usually consumed at a young age, as it does not particularly benefit from aging unlike Chardonnay.

If you are a white wine lover, and have an opinion as to which is preferred, Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, I would love to hear from you.  Personally, my favorite is Chardonnay because of the way it picks up the oak flavors from the oak barrels used during aging.  A bold, thick and buttery glass of Chardonnay is so much better to my taste buds than an acidic, crisp, lemony, pear tasting Sauvignon Blanc.