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Sauvignon Blanc vs Semillon

How to tell them apart in a blind tasting

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

Step 02

Sauvignon Blanc vs Semillon

Compare structure side by side, then resolve the close-call with the right separator.

Primary separator

Sauvignon Blanc leans pungent green-citrus profile with sharp acidity; Semillon leans waxy lanolin texture with softer aromatic lift.

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Aroma Markers

Sauvignon Blanc more likely markers

  • cut grass
  • gooseberry
  • grapefruit

Semillon more likely markers

  • lanolin
  • lemon curd
  • wax

Decision Cues

Most useful separators

  • Sauvignon Blanc leans pungent green-citrus profile with sharp acidity; Semillon leans waxy lanolin texture with softer aromatic lift.

High-signal differences

  • Acidity: Sauvignon Blanc much higher (High vs Medium).
  • Body: Semillon slightly higher (Medium(−) vs Medium).
Structure fingerprint
Sauvignon BlancSemillon
Acidity
Body
Alcohol
Color intensity
Aromatic intensity

Reference context

Shared classic regions

  • Casablanca Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

Classic regions:

  • Loire Valley
  • Marlborough
  • Stellenbosch

Style examples:

  • Sancerre
  • High-acid aromatic dry white
  • Fresh herbaceous stainless-steel white

Semillon

Classic regions:

  • Bordeaux
  • Hunter Valley
  • Margaret River

Style examples:

  • Pessac-Leognan Blanc
  • Structured Bordeaux dry white blend grape
  • Waxy age-worthy dry white

Common questions

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

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

Is Sauvignon Blanc or Semillon higher in acidity?

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

Are Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon red or white?

Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are both white grape varieties.

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