28th March 2025 | Top Drops
Raise your glass to two of the most beloved white wines: Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are often mistaken for each other, which does them both a disservice. Both wines offer a unique glass-full of flavour and deserve to get recognition individually. Keep reading for our recommendations, and perhaps consider ordering a case for a tasting experience that will elevate your palate.
Although both Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc have their roots in France, they’ve found fame in different corners of the world. Italian Pinot Grigio has won over wine lovers in the UK and the US, while its French counterpart, Pinot Gris, remains popular but doesn’t quite have the same mass appeal. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc needs no introduction—if you’ve tried Sauvignon Blanc, there’s a good chance it was from New Zealand. They have elevated this grape to new heights, often overshadowing its French origins.
You can tell the grapes apart from both the nose and taste. Sauvignon is known for its aromatic scent whereas Pinot doesn’t have much of a scent profile. Where it lacks in scent it makes up in flavour with juicy citrus notes of lemon, apple and grapefruit, peach, pear and even honeysuckle. Sauvignon Blanc shares some of these flavours, especially apple and lime along with tropical fruit like passion fruit and gooseberry. It also carries a distinctive herbaceous profile, often showcasing hints of grass, bell pepper, and asparagus, particularly in New Zealand varieties.
Pinot Grigio is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with food. Enjoy a glass with white meats like herbed chicken or seafood dishes. For a vegetarian option, try it with a green pesto salad topped with mozzarella. A citrus-led Sauvignon Blanc shines alongside a zesty green salad with feta, salmon, or lemon sole, and even pairs well with fish and chips. An aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, with its herbaceous notes, complements a salad dressed with fresh herbs like mint, basil, dill, and chives.
With over 2,500 5-star reviews, it’s easy to see why once that first drop hits your palate. Meet the 16 Little Black Pigs Pinot Grigio—a fresh-as-a-daisy alternative to the classic Italian variety we all know and love. This un-oaked gem boasts a delightful lemon-fresh fruitiness paired with the crisp vitality of a perfectly ripe apple.
Ideal as an aperitif, it’s equally stunning when enjoyed with white fish, bringing a touch of pure indulgence to your dining experience.
“16 LBP is always top notch & never disappoints. This pinot Grigio was no exception. We loved this – the perfect, crisp summer wine – went great with cheese” – Tony ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Under a different name, but still the same grape, this Grand Cru Pinot Gris is class in a glass. Imagine the rich mouthfeel complemented by spice, sweet stone fruit, marmalade, and marzipan notes, finishing with a refreshing zest that’s simply unforgettable, marrying ripeness with finesse. With every sip, you’re also supporting sustainable practices, thanks to its HVE Certification, which prioritises environmental protection and enrichment.
Perfect as an aperitif to awaken your taste buds, or paired with pâté, warm sage butter, and toast, this Pinot Gris transforms any meal into a feast.
“The wines from this Grand Cru are distinguished by their great elegance, balance and finesse” – Daniel Gerold, Winemaker
Pinot Grigio isn’t just for the white-hearted, as seen in this refreshing curveball entry. With its vibrant zest and verve, this wine strikes a perfect balance between the fruitiness of a white and the crispness of a red. Modern rosés, like this one, are refreshing, fruitier, and more substantial, making them perfect for any season.
The Araldica d’Aria Pinot Grigio Rosé brings out fresh flavours that pair beautifully with any fish dish, elevating your meal to an unforgettable experience. You could even serve this with your Sunday roast.
“This is an excellent wine. Not too dry, not too sweet, not overly fruity, simply a very nice wine” – Andrew ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is a legendary New Zealand wine, known for its vibrant tropical fruit flavours and zesty, mouth-watering crispness. This highly sought-after Kiwi classic offers an irresistible balance of freshness and intensity, making it a must-try for wine lovers. Enjoy it as a versatile all-year-round treat that shines on any occasion.
Try pairing this with Asian style seafood dishes or Thai food – any shellfish with zingy flavours covered in a garlic marinade is a perfect match for this fresh fruited white.
“This Sauvignon Blanc is an elegant aromatic wine with appealing fruit and crisp acidity” – Jim White, Winemaker
Treat yourself to luxury with the Pouilly-Fumé Les Loges Pierre Marchand 2023. With all the hallmarks of a great Sancerre and a distinctive minerality, this complex wine is a ravishing and refined experience. Taste the notes of gooseberry, blackcurrant leaf fruit overlaid with hints of citrus and mineral as you sip this gem.
Its vibrant character pairs beautifully with seafood, goat cheese, or light salads, making it an elegant choice for any dining occasion.
“The finish is elegant and long with hints of flint and ripe apple” – Eric Marchand, Winemaker.
You haven’t tried white Bordeaux until you’ve tried this. From a Welsh-owned vineyard, Château du Seuil, came this Sauvignon/Semillon blend fermented in oak resulting in a golden bliss of a wine. On the nose you’ll be touched by floral aromas and plenty of acidity and honey flavours on the palate. This full, fresh and fruity wine glows gold in your glass, a pure liquid gold. A multi award-winning treat, this Bordeaux is worth every penny you spend on it, and then some.
Create a charcuterie board full of deli meats and soft cheeses for the perfect match, or you could pair this with any shellfish dish for a salty match made in heaven.
“Has both a depth and freshness. The 5 years of bottle age make this a rich and excellent example of classic Graves. Very good wine indeed.” – Jack ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When it comes to choosing either Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, like all things in wine, there is no correct choice. Some people like the aromatic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc because they prefer whites full of tropical fruit and herbaceous flavour. Pinot Grigio is a fan-favourite for a reason, its dry flavours of green apple are generally a winner for everyone.
Try doing a blind taste test and seeing which one your taste buds prefer, or you could order a case for your next wine and cheese night, see if you can tell which is which.
