Sauvignon Blanc vs. Bacchus: What’s the difference?

It’s often hailed as England's answer to Sauvignon Blanc, but how does Bacchus compare?

Bacchus grapes account for 8% of grapes grown in England last year, nearly a quarter of English still wine production. If you’re new to English wine, Bacchus wine is a great place to start, and is often likened to the ever-popular Sauvignon Blanc.

So, what is the difference? We answer your most-asked Bacchus questions.

Does Bacchus wine taste the same as Sauvignon Blanc?

Arguably the most important aspect of wine, the taste of Bacchus is very similar to Sauvignon Blanc.

Both are acidic and fruity, with notes of citrus and peach, and sometimes a hint of passion fruit. Both are perfect enjoyed cold with seafood or tofu.

But Bacchus is kind of like Sauvignon Blanc’s edgy cousin, and many feel there is more depth to the flavours of Bacchus wine.

As you sip, you’ll notice flavours of honeysuckle and elderflower dancing across your tongue. To our more experienced wine enthusiasts, you may even detect hints of nettles and white pepper, such as in our 2023 Bacchus wine - 11% ABV.

Savour the wine for a moment longer, and you’ll feel the herbaceous, grassy undertones. It’s earthy, it’s grounding; you can almost picture the busy English hedgerows surrounding the vineyard.

If you’re looking for a wine with more personality, Bacchus might just be the best English wine for you.

Where do Bacchus grapes originate from?

Likely a descendant of Savagnin, the Sauvignon Blanc variety has its roots firmly in France.

Meanwhile, the Bacchus variety has a slightly more complicated history.

Originally known as Geilweilerhof 32-29-133 (catchy), the Bacchus variety was developed in 1933 at the German Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants. It was part of an attempt to breed fungus-resistant grapes.

It’s a cross between two varieties which are crosses themselves: Silvaner-Riesling and Müller-Thurgau. This could be why Bacchus has that deeper range of flavours we talked about earlier.

In 1972, the variety achieved varietal protection and cultivation, and was renamed Bacchus, after the god of wine-making. And although Bacchus grapes from Germany lack the acidity to make good wine, in England it’s a different story. Which leads us to our next question...

Why does England grow Bacchus grapes?

Besides the fact that 2025 was our earliest harvest since records began (Two Beacons records, that is), it’s generally known that Bacchus grapes don’t mess about when it comes to ripening.

In a cooler climate like England, this leads to a higher acidity with a lower yield, which results in high-quality wine.

That’s why in our vineyard, as summer draws to a close, you may find a rather preoccupied Tim W sampling grapes. He’s not hungry - well, he might be, but that’s beside the point; he’s actually figuring out harvest dates.

You can determine when the grapes are ready to be picked by checking for phenolic ripeness flavour, and ripe pips. If the pips are ripe, then it’s all hands on deck to begin the harvest!

Which wine is better for the environment?

For all our sustainable wine friends, Bacchus wine is a perfect choice.

Sauvignon Blanc grapes grow happily in Marlborough, New Zealand or Bordeaux, France. But this means they need to be imported before we can drink them.

Bacchus grapes are so popular in England because they grow beautifully in cooler climates. By choosing Bacchus wines, not only are you supporting local businesses, but you’re also lowering your carbon footprint, since the wine is grown and produced in the UK.

Bacchus grapes are also known for their high resistance to disease and fungus, so fewer pesticides are needed.

We’re a bunch of nature lovers at Two Beacons. And we do as much as possible to ensure wildlife can thrive on our vineyard. After all, we’re in nature’s space!

We allow the natural seed bank to regenerate instead of buying in seed. The permanent ground cover between the grapevines keeps our soil healthy and stable, and provides bees with pollen and insects with shelter. This, in turn, provides the house martins and swallows with food.

And we are on a low-input system - healthy plants are more robust and disease-resistant. And of course, make tastier wine.

Final thoughts

So, as you can see, Bacchus and Sauvignon have their differences. But let’s face it, everyone has had Sauvignon Blanc. Your local off-license probably sells it for a tenner.

But pull out a bottle of Bacchus at your next dinner party? Not only are you showing off your knowledgeable taste in wines, but also introducing your guests to a brand new experience. Who wouldn’t love that?

Two Beacons Bacchus 2024 coming soon...

Keep an eye out for our latest Bacchus release, which will be available to try and buy later this month. We've had a sneak preview, and we're expecting this to be another award-winner, so be sure to pop into our tasting room in Great Malvern, or treat yourself to a bottle (or three) from our online store.