Origins of Semillon
Semillon is a white grape variety that originates from the Bordeaux region in France. Before the 18th century, its cultivation was limited to the Sauternes area in the southwestern part of France. Today, Semillon has become the third-largest white grape wine variety in France, trailing only Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. This article will take you on a journey into the unassuming yet remarkable world of this grape variety.
Varietal Characteristics
Semillon is an easily cultivated grape variety with robust vitality. It has thin skin, late flowering, but early ripening characteristics. It’s susceptible to noble rot, adaptable to various climate conditions, making it a high-yielding and undemanding grape variety. Wines crafted from Semillon usually have a medium body, moderate acidity, and low tannins.
The style of Semillon varies greatly depending on the planting environment. In hot climates, Semillon exhibits more mature fruit flavors such as mango, yellow peach, and papaya aromas. In cooler climates, Semillon is harvested at lower levels of ripeness, resulting in wines with significantly higher acidity, often similar to its popular relative Sauvignon Blanc. When winemakers avoid oak barrel aging for Semillon, the resulting wine carries distinct aromas of lemon, lime zest, and grapefruit.
Wine Types
Although Semillon is rarely seen on wine labels, it plays a crucial role in many renowned wines as an “essential member.” It’s versatile, used to produce both sweet and dry wines.
Sauternes Noble Rot Wine: In the Sauternes region of France, Semillon is frequently used to craft noble rot wines. Grapes affected by noble rot contribute unique flavors such as honey, gingerbread, apricot, orange marmalade, and floral notes. These wines have a full-bodied, lingering taste. Semillon imparts a golden color and a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel to Sauternes wines, and they boast considerable aging potential. Wines crafted from it are often referred to as “liquid gold.”
Regular Sweet White Wines: In New World countries, winemakers halt fermentation or add concentrated grape juice to create Semillon sweet white wines. These wines are characterized by intense aromas of fruits and flowers, a sweeter taste, but lack the depth and aging potential of Sauternes.
Dry White Wines: Semillon is used in blends with other grape varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, creating dry whites such as the well-known Graves dry white wine. It can also be crafted as a single-varietal dry wine, seen in the famous Hunter Valley dry whites. These dry wines often carry aromas of lemon, apple, stone fruits, white flowers, and honey.
Semillon: Wine Regions
1. France
Graves and Pessac-Leognan:
In the Graves and Pessac-Leognan regions, dry Semillon wines exhibit complex aromas, notable mineral notes, and fruit flavors. They possess a unique oily texture, delicate and elegant structure, layered complexity, and a long-lasting finish. Semillon plays a dominant role in high-quality, aged dry white wines, imparting a golden color, rich and viscous mouthfeel, and honey flavors. Chateau Haut-Brion is a representative estate in this category.
Sauternes and Barsac:
In the Sauternes and Barsac regions, Semillon is commonly used to craft sweet white wines. Sauternes noble rot wines are often blends of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat, with Semillon taking the lead. These wines are golden in color, evolving into warm amber with age. They offer rich, balanced, and harmonious aromas with floral notes, balanced acidity, and a lingering finish. Chateau d’Yquem is a renowned estate in this style.
Southwest of France:
Semillon is also used for crafting dry and sweet white wines in the southwestern French regions. Monbazillac, known for its sweet white wines, benefits from foggy autumn conditions, creating an environment for noble rot production. This region has a history of producing high-quality sweet whites since the 16th century, often blending Semillon with Sauvignon Blanc.
2. Australia
Semillon is the second-largest white grape variety in Australia. Its wines come in sweet and dry styles, often blended with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. There are also single-varietal Semillon dry whites aged in or out of oak barrels. In Margaret River, Semillon is blended with Sauvignon Blanc to create a Bordeaux-style dry white wine, showcasing freshness without oak aging. Moss Wood Wines is a notable producer in this style.
As a single varietal, Semillon shines in Hunter Valley. Young Hunter Valley Semillon wines carry hints of citrus, developing into rich and complex flavors of candied fruits, caramelized nuts, and honey after aging. Tyrrell’s Wines is a representative producer.
In Adelaide Hills, Semillon dry whites exhibit delicacy, complexity, and elegance, often fresher and livelier than Bordeaux styles. Some are aged in oak barrels. Mount Horrocks is a notable estate in this region.
3. South Africa
Semillon was once crucial in South Africa but has been gradually replaced by Chenin Blanc after the 20th century. Now, Semillon is found mainly in regions like Stellenbosch, Swartland, and Franschhoek. It’s often blended with Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa, offering a refreshing and delicate taste. Boekenhoutskloof and Cederberg are representative estates.
4. United States
Though not widely popular, Semillon has a planting area of up to 890 hectares in California. It’s concentrated in regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma. “Old Vine” Semillon from Napa Valley and Sonoma is known for its intense flavor, full-bodied texture, distinct mineral notes, complex layers, and enduring finish. Sometimes, Semillon is blended with Sauvignon Blanc in a Bordeaux-style dry white or even crafted into sweet white wines. Kalin Cellars is a representative estate.
Semillon Wine Pairing
Semillon Dry White: Semillon dry white wines have a medium body while maintaining a fresh and lively acidity. They can be paired with a variety of dishes, particularly standing out when paired with grilled scallops, shrimp, and other seafood dishes. Additionally, they complement strongly flavored foods, including dishes rich in Indian spices, Asian spices, and dishes prepared with woody spices like cinnamon and star anise, such as curry.
Semillon Sweet White: Semillon sweet white wines have a rich texture, layered with honey and lush floral aromas. They pair well with desserts and are often enjoyed alongside foie gras. They can also be paired after a meal with spicy and robust cheeses.