Chardonnay Vs Pinot Grigio

Deeper Dive: Pinot Grigio Vs Sauvignon Blanc

Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc wines come from French grapes with pretty broad taste profiles and look.

They may seem pretty simple at first but can be surprisingly variant, based on your overall preference and much more.

So lets take a deeper dive into these unique wines to understand better which is the best option for you and which might not work for you at all.

Pinot Grigio Grapes Compared to Sauvignon Blanc Grapes

First, lets get the obvious out of the way: Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc grapes both originate in France. That fact is vital because these grapes have some of the oldest wine-making histories.

However, they ultimately look pretty different and produce a variety of different tastes.

First, Pinot Grigio grapes became famous not from French winemakers, but Italian ones.

Italian winemakers wanted to create a simple and easy-to-drink wine and chose Pinot Grigio grapes, which have a reasonably dusty or grayish skin: Grigio means gray in Italian, appropriately enough.

Pinot Grigio grapes have grayish skin. Grigio means gray in Italian.

They often ripen much earlier than Pinot Grigio grapes, meaning they must be harvested quicker.

Most Sauvignon Blanc grapes are rounder and fuller than Grigio grapes.

What is important to remember, is that the grape growing region influences taste and much more.

Pinot Grigio Region vs Sauvignon Blanc Region

Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio grapes are grown throughout many different world regions.

Pinot Grigio Vs Chardonnay: Grape Color

If youre looking for a white wine, you cant go wrong with Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. Both wines are white and come from the Burgundy region of France, but they offer slightly different experiences. Heres a look at each of the two varieties to determine which one is better for you. Read on to learn more about these two wines and how they differ from one another.

When pairing food with each wine, consider the flavors and texture. Pinot Grigio has fruity, spicy, and apple flavors, making it a good match for shellfish, light seafood, and mild cheese. On the other hand, Chardonnay is a versatile wine, blending well with both seafood and simple dishes. However, the best wines are made by a blending of the two.

Chardonnay is known as a bold wine, with a high level of alcohol. Compared to Pinot Grigio, it is the most bold. When it comes to sweetness, Moscato takes the prize. Both are delicious and complement a variety of food, but it is recommended to start with one before moving on to the next. If youre unsure of which wine you prefer, its a good idea to start with one before deciding which one to drink.

What Is Pinot Grigio Wine

Pinot Gris, or Pinot Grigio as it’s known in Italy and throughout much of the world, is a wine produced from the grape of the same name. Depending on where it’s grown, Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio can be crafted into cheap and cheerful bottles that sell for less than $10 and that provide the kind of uncomplicated wine pleasures associated so readily with the style: Citrus fruit, fresh acidity, and a relatively short finish that doesn’t dominate the foods it’s sipped alongside. Yet there are also plenty of producers who work real magic with the grape variety, crafting wines of serious accomplishment and refinement.

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How Much Sugar In Chardonnay

There is approximately 1 gram of sugar in 100 grams of chardonnay. However, this number can vary depending on the specific brand or vintage. Additionally, the sugar content may be higher in sweetened or dessert wines. For the most accurate nutritional information, it is best to check the label of your chosen wine.

Is Merlot Or Cabernet Sweeter

Cabernet Sauvignon is very rich and robust, while Merlot is a bit more delicate, and serves up a slightly fruitier flavor. And while both wines are considered dry, Merlot tends to be balanced towards a slightly sweeter flavor profile, making it easier to drink. This is reflected in how these wines are blended.

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Is One Better Than The Other

They may look nearly identical in a wine glass but the similarities between Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio end there. Pinot Grigio is light with hints of green melon while Chardonnay is heavier and might have the scent of fresh-cut grass. Like weve mentioned Pinot Grigio has high acidity levels and it usually tastes less sweet than a Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio is less dry and doesnt have the same oak flavors and aroma Chardonnay is known for. Although these wines are incredibly popular, there is only one way to find out if one is better than the other – pour yourself a glass!

What Goes With Chardonnay

Chardonnay wines pair well with a variety of foods including a nutty and buttery flavor.

When it comes to seafood this wine pairs well with dishes based on crab, lobster, mussels, or shrimp.

Chicken and white meats are great options to pair with chardonnay or sauvignon blanc.

Chardonnay is also a great choice for vegetarian dishes, risotto, goat cheese, or dishes that feature mushrooms.

So our yourself a glass of chardonnay and enjoy your meal!

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Different Types Of Dry Wine With Images

Many people favor dry wines over other types of wine. Wine drinkers value these wines for their crisp flavors. You can also drink dry wines any time of the year.

With so many varieties of dry wines produced around the world, you can easily get lost with all the names and terms.

Whether you like off-dry, very dry or medium dry wines, you can easily pick one if you understand how they smell like and taste like. We have rounded up some of the most popular dry wines to help you in picking.

Drink Chardonnay If You Want To Save Your Bottle

Do you like saving your bottle for special occasions? If you want your wine to taste great after a few years of storage, chardonnay is your meal ticket.

Remember to double-check the vintage date and whether or not your bottle was oaked. These details will add further depth to your wine storage and give you an idea on what to expect.

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The Taste Of Chardonnay

Chardonnay wine has a reputation for being buttery, but the buttery flavor has more to do with Malolactic Fermentation than with being aged in oak barrels. This fermentation occurs when malic acid, derived from the Latin name for apple, converts to lactic acid after all the sugars have already been converted to alcohol. The result is a buttery, rounded texture. If the winemaker does not allow the Malolactic Fermentation to occur, the wine will taste tarter and crisper.

Chardonnay is also known for flavors of vanilla and toasted oak. The longer a winemaker allows the wine to age in oak, the more it will take on vanilla and earthy flavors. If you do not like those flavors, dont give up on Chardonnay. Try one of the delicious bottles of unoaked Chardonnay. The full flavor profile of Chardonnay is illustrated in the flavor wheel below.

The primary flavors of Chardonnay grapes are a yellow apple, starfruit, vanilla, pineapple, and butter. It is dry with a medium body and low or no tannins. Chardonnay wine has a medium acidity and at 13.5 to 15 percent alcohol by volume the amount of alcohol in an alcoholic beverage.

Discover More White Wine Insights

You know all about the main differences between Chardonnay vs Pinot Grigio, so why not keep learning more about the wine world? Here are a few more recommended posts to read next:

Comparing different types of wine is one of the best ways to expand your wine knowledge and enjoyment. The Chardonnay vs Riesling wine guide introduces the flavor differences, suggested wines under $50, and food pairing tips.

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What Is A Pinot Grigio Chardonnay Blend

When you combine the best of Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio you are left with a work of art in the wine world.

The dry or off-dry wine with a darker golden colour will really surprise your taste buds as it always does mine. Chardonnay is the weight while Pinot Grigio is the aroma. This can happen by either being a 50/50 blend, 75/25 blend or even just a splash if the wine maker is just looking to create a little bit more body in their wine.

The blend of the two wines creates the best of both worlds and leaves you with a bold wine with a complex aroma.

Now is the time for you to decide. Next time you go into a liquor store, grab a bottle of both or a few of each and have your own little wine tasting. I always like to try new wines it can be exciting. Eventually, you can do blind tests and see if you can guess which wine is which.

If I had to choose which one, I will be drinking from now on I think I would like to start drinking more Pinot Grigio, but my heart will always be with Chardonnay. Unoaked of course.

The Difference Between Pinot Grigio And Pinot Gris

Both Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris have the same grape variety, with the first having an Italian designation and the latter having the French one. Aside from that, Italian Pinot Grigio most likely has citrus and tree fruit flavors, while the Pinot Gris is more associated with tropical fruit flavors.

You can learn more about the differences between pinot grigio and pinot noir here.

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How Is Pinot Grigio Made

Pinot gris wine is made very similar to chardonnay.

Pinot grigio wines are made using the pinot gris grape. This grape is harvested and then pressed. In particular, these grapes have thin skins.

The juice from the best pinot grigio wines is then fermented in stainless steel tanks. During fermentation, yeast consumes the sugar in the grape juice and turns it into alcohol.

Pinot grigio wines typically arent aged for several months or even years. This contributes to their lighter flavor profile.

Pinot Gris Food Pairing

Go fresh. Pinot Gris with its zesty and refeshing acidity pairs really well with fresh vegetables, raw fish and lighter meals. Fish and shellfish are classic pairing partners with Pinot Gris.

Need some ideas? Try ceviche, sushi, moule-frites, or even light flaky tilapia with cream sauce. Pinot Gris from the US and Australia can stand up to richer dishes because of their body and often heightened alcohol level.

Try not to go too spicy with your seasonings unless you have a bottle of Alsace Pinot Gris close by.

Meat Pairings

Fish including Tilapia, Scallops, Sea Bass, Perch, Sole, Haddock, Trout, Cod, Redfish, Halibut, Snapper, Mussels, Clams, Oysters. White meats including Chicken and Turkey. Cured/spiced meats made from pork and duck.

Spices and Herbs

Parsley, Mint, Tarragon, Thyme, Fennel, Chives, and Spices including White Pepper, Coriander, Fennel, Turmeric, Saffron, Ginger, Cinnamon, Clove, Allspice

Cheese Pairings

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Chardonnay Vs Pinot Grigio: Flavor & Food Pairing Comparison

October 8, 2022 by Bruce

Knowing the difference between Chardonnay vs Pinot Grigio is essential because these are some of the most popular white wines in the world. The Chardonnay grape variety is planted worldwide and used to make sparkling wines in the Champagne wine region and Champagne alternatives. The Pinot Grigio white wine grape is also popular among many wine drinkers. In more detail, lets look into the key differences between these two white wine varieties.

How Strong Is The White Wine Spritzer

The white wine spritzer is a very mild mixed drink. The only alcohol in it is wine, which tends to range from 8 to 14 percent ABV.

For example, when a 10 percent ABV wine is watered down in the spritzer, the drink will have an alcohol content around 6 percent ABV. It really is one of the gentlest drinks you can mix up.

Recipe Tags:

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Chardonnay Vs Pinot Grigio: How To Know Which One Is Best For You

Ordering a bottle of wine a couple of decades ago in an average restaurant, you would most likely have been offered the classics like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne.

If you’re lucky enough, perhaps you might get a chance to choose between Barolo or Barbaresco.

If you enter that same restaurant today, you will find the astonishingly diverse range of bottles from across the globe quite overwhelming.

So…

If you’re a wine lover like me, you’re probably wondering about the difference between chardonnay and pinot grigio, and which of the two would be more suitable for your taste.

If yes, then the great news is you just landed on the right page! Keep reading, and together let’s learn more about the sheer variety of these two wines so next time, youll know the best one to go with your moment or mood.

Page Contents

What Are The Similarities Between Chardonnay En Pinot Grigio Wines

Pinot Grigio en Chardonnay look almost identical in a wine glass, but that’s where the similarities end. Pinot Grigio is light with hints of green melon, while Chardonnay slightly heavier and has hints of freshly cut grass.

Which wine is sweeter: Chardonnay of Pinot Grigio?

Pinot Grigio usually tastes less sweet than Chardonnay because of the higher acidity. Pinot Grigio is light with hints of green melon, while Chardonnay slightly heavier and has hints of freshly cut grass.

Which wine is drier: Chardonnay of Pinot Grigio?

Chardonnay is a drier wine with a full, buttery taste. It can also have oak flavors and aromas.

What are the differences between Chardonnay en Pinot Grigio?

Chardonnay en Pinot Grigio are two of the most popular types of white wines in the world. However, both wines come from differently colored grapes with different flavors based on the different growing climates and soils. Chardonnay wine comes from grapes with a green skin and Pinot Grigio wine from grapes with a grey-blue color.

Chardonnay has a freshly cut grass aroma and Pinot Grigio is more acidic and lighter, with a hint of green melon. They look remarkably similar in the glass. The big difference between these two delicious white wines can only be discovered by tasting them.

Has Chardonnay a higher alcohol content than Pinot Grigio?

Both Chardonnay as a Pinot Grigio often have an alcohol percentage between 13,5% to 14,5%.

Which wine is better: Chardonnay of Pinot Grigio?

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Is Pinot Grigio Dry Or Sweet

Its Dry: Pinot Grigio often tastes less sweet than Chardonnay because of high acidity.

Exceptions to the rule: There are two examples where Pinot Grigio is sweet. One example is cheap supermarket Pinot Grigio designed to woo mid-week wine drinkers. The second are the slightly sweet

Alsace Pinot Gris wines must be made with 100% Pinot Gris grapes and they taste very . Youll discover spice notes of cinnamon, honey, clove, meyer lemon and ginger paired with a looooong tingly aftertaste. Look for the words Vendages Tardives as a late harvest dessert wine option.

Want to explore the major white wines of the world? Check out the article and too.

Which One Is Sweeter Or Drier Than The Other

Both Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio are dry white wines. However, they land somewhere in the middle of bone-dry and off-dry, which is one step before semi-sweet. Pinot Grigio is technically sweeter and has less sugar than Chardonnay. However, Chardonnay can taste sweeter because its less acidic than Pinot Grigio. Overall, there isnt much of a difference unless youre familiar with one of the wines.

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Pairing Food With Chardonnay & Pinot Grigio

Both Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio have excellent potential for food pairing.

Seafood is an excellent companion with Pinot Grigio. Other dishes like salad, light chicken entrees, and pastas with cream sauces also pair well with Pinot Grigio. Its light body and high acidity also make it a great partner with spicy or fried foods as the acidity cools the palate from spice and cuts through the fat and grease in fried dishes.

Chardonnay is great with rich, creamy, buttery dishes and brings out the flavor in roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or pork. It also does well with breads and pasta, particularly those pasta dishes with cream-based sauces, but be sure to avoid pairing Chardonnay with tomato-based sauces as the two flavors will clash. This wine can also provide great balance to meatier fish, such as salmon or swordfish.

How To Make Pinot Grigio

Ingredients:

-1 bottle of Pinot Grigio

-1/4 cup of sugar

-1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves

-1 cinnamon stick

Instructions:

1. Pour the bottle of wine into a pot on the stove and heat it up. Do not let it come to a boil, just let it get hot.

2. Add the sugar and stir until it is dissolved.

3. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the pot. Add the lemon halves to the pot as well.

4. Add the cloves and cinnamon stick and stir.

5. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, then remove from heat and serve.

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All About Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio wine is one of the most popular Italian wine styles and is the second most popular white wine in America.

Pinot Grigio grapes are mutations of the Pinot Noir grape and originally come from Burgundy. The French call it Pinot Gris, but it is the same grape. The grapes have a distinctive grey, almost slightly pink color The Germans have a variety of the grape that they call Grauburgunder which literally means the grey grape from Burgundy. Pinot Grigio grapes are also grown in California, Australia, and Slovenia, but even though they are the same grape, the wines differ in style.

The Pinot Grigio grape traveled from Burgundy to Switzerland in the 1300s and was one of the Emperors favorite wine varieties. The grape then migrated to northern Italy, and that is when they really became successful. Pinot Grigio grew successfully in the Veneto, Lombardy, Trentino, Friuli, and Alto Adige regions of Italy.

The first American Pinot Gris/Grigio grapevines were planted in Oregon in 1966 in Eyrie Vineyards.

There are approximately 71,000 acres of Pinot Grigio grapes planted worldwide. Heres the breakdown:

• Italy 25,000 acres
• Hungary and Romania comprise the remainder.