Moxie Vino

Pinot Grigio vs Sauvignon Blanc: what's the difference?

Pinot Grigio is light, mild and neutral with soft lemon and pear, while Sauvignon Blanc is zesty and loud with grapefruit, lime and fresh-cut grass, so pick Pinot Grigio for easy sipping and Sauvignon Blanc when you want a white with real kick.

Pinot Grigio
Sauvignon Blanc

These are the two most-ordered crisp whites in America, and people swap them like they're the same thing. They're not. Pinot Grigio whispers and Sauvignon Blanc talks, and once you notice that you'll know which one you're in the mood for.

Side by side

Pinot GrigioSauvignon Blanc
Where it's fromMostly northern ItalyNew Zealand, France (Loire, Bordeaux), California
Tastes likeLemon, pear, green apple, a little almondGrapefruit, lime, passion fruit, cut grass, green pepper
Flavor volumeQuiet and cleanLoud and tangy
AcidityMedium, refreshingHigh, mouth-watering
PriceAbout $8–25About $10–20
Best withLight pasta, salads, shrimp, sipping on the porchGoat cheese, tacos, sushi, anything with herbs or lime

When to pick Pinot Grigio

Pick Pinot Grigio when you want a white that stays in the background, for a crowd or for someone who usually orders "just a white."

  • Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio

    about $23

    Pinot GrigioIt's fine

    The famous one. Clean, crisp and polished, though you are paying partly for the name.

  • Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio

    about $10

    Pinot GrigioGood buy

    Light, lemony and half the price of Santa Margherita. A very safe grocery-store buy.

When to pick Sauvignon Blanc

Pick Sauvignon Blanc when you want a white with personality, or your food has citrus, herbs or spice.

  • Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

    about $15

    Sauvignon BlancGood buy

    Peak New Zealand style: passion fruit, grapefruit and a zing that lingers. The one most people mean when they say they love Sauv Blanc.

  • Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc

    about $11

    Sauvignon BlancGood buy

    A little softer than Kim Crawford and a few dollars cheaper. Easy to find and easy to drink.

  • Matua Sauvignon Blanc

    about $10

    Sauvignon BlancGood buy

    Bright and limey for about ten bucks. Great for a party where bottles disappear fast.

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Last checked 2026-10-04.