Sauvignon Blanc Acidity

One of the most defining traits of a wine is its acidity. This factor plays a huge role in determining a wine’s aromas and overall flavor. 

As a novice, you may not immediately notice the acidity of the wine but trust us when we say it contributes to whether or not you enjoy a glass of wine. Sauvignon Blanc is a staple on most wine shelves and cupboards, and many people wonder about its acidity. 

So, let’s dive in and try to understand why this wine is so loved by many.

Is Sauvignon Blanc high or low in acidity compared to other white wines?

Before we discuss Sauvignon Blanc, let’s figure out what makes a wine acidic in the first place. When grapes aren’t ripe, yet they are very acidic, then this acidity starts to drop as they ripen. 

The climate where the grapes are grown also plays a role in a wine’s acidity. When the vineyard is in an area with cooler climates, these grapes tend to be more acidic due to the lack of warmth and sun, which contribute to the pH levels of grapes. 

Aside from these two factors, wines can be made more acidic later in the process as well, when the winemaker adds more tartaric acid to the grapes before they ferment into wine.

Compared to other white wines, Sauvignon Blanc is usually more acidic. It’s lower on the pH scale than the similar medium-bodied Chenin blanc wine. Only a few white wines like Champagne and Riesling are more acidic than Sauvignon Blanc. 

Another popular white wine is Chardonnay which has a much lower acidity when compared to Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc is definitely on the acidic side when speaking of white wines. 

That’s one of the many reasons it has such a pronounced flavor profile that can be noticed by anyone who has tried it a few times.

 

How about compared to red wine?

When compared to red wines, Sauvignon Blanc is much more acidic. Red wines usually tend to be less acidic than red wines, and since Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most acidic white wines, it can be considered one of the most acidic wines overall. 

Reds have lower acidity, with most of them being made from grapes that grow in warmer climates and are naturally sweeter. Most red wines also undergo more aging, which causes a loss of acidity in the bottle later. 

The only reds which are slightly more acidic are those which are full-bodied, like Cabernet Sauvignon, but this is a rare case. 

If you are a fan of that crispy acidic flavor, then your best choice would be to stick to white wines, especially Sauvignon Blanc. Usually, a wine can’t be sweet and acidic so if you prefer your wines to be sweeter, then go for the reds on your next shopping trip!

 

How will Sauvignon Blanc affect me if I have acid reflux?

If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux, this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the wines you love. Although some people say alcohol, specifically acidic wines, can make reflux symptoms worse, there are no scientific studies backing this claim. 

Whether your chosen wine is more or less acidic isn’t really enough to cause acid reflux or make it worse, so you should drink whichever wine you like. 

That being said, life is all about balance, so if you do notice your body being upset, you can try wines that are less acidic than Sauvignon Blanc or just drink less Sauvignon Blanc at a time! 

As long as you notice your gut health is unaffected, you can continue to enjoy this incredible drink. 

Final Thoughts on Sauvignon Blanc’s Acidity

Although Sauvignon Blanc is on the more acidic side, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, whether you have acid reflux or not. It adds crispy aromas to the wine, which are a signature part of the Sauvignon Blanc profile. 

If you prefer white wines over reds, then it is most likely this specific acidity that you enjoy. 

Of course, you can consult your doctor if you are worried about your acid reflux coming into play when enjoying wine, but a few glasses (in balance) shouldn’t be too significant of a problem.