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

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

Is Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc higher in alcohol?

On the WSET ladder, Riesling is Medium and Sauvignon Blanc is Medium for alcohol.

Are Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc red or white?

Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are both white grape varieties.

Riesling vs Sauvignon Blanc — how to tell them apart

Structure compared

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

Signature aromas

Riesling

limegreen applejasmine

Sauvignon Blanc

gooseberrygrapefruitcut grass

Common questions

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