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.

Sauvignon Blanc vs Semillon — how to tell them apart

Structure compared

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

Signature aromas

Sauvignon Blanc

gooseberrygrapefruitcut grass

Semillon

lemon curdwaxlanolin

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.