How do you tell Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc apart in a blind tasting?

The clearest separator between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc is acidity: Chardonnay is Medium while Sauvignon Blanc is High. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.

Is Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc higher in acidity?

On the WSET ladder, Chardonnay is Medium and Sauvignon Blanc is High for acidity.

Are Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc red or white?

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are both white grape varieties.

Chardonnay vs Sauvignon Blanc — how to tell them apart

Structure compared

Structure compared	Chardonnay	Sauvignon Blanc
Acidity	Medium	High
Body	Medium(+)	Medium(−)
Alcohol	Medium	Medium
Color intensity	Medium	Pale
Aromatic intensity	Medium	Pronounced

Signature aromas

Chardonnay

lemonapplestone fruit

Sauvignon Blanc

gooseberrygrapefruitcut grass

Common questions

How do you tell Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc apart in a blind tasting?: The clearest separator between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc is acidity: Chardonnay is Medium while Sauvignon Blanc is High. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.
Is Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc higher in acidity?: On the WSET ladder, Chardonnay is Medium and Sauvignon Blanc is High for acidity.
Are Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc red or white?: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are both white grape varieties.