Semillon (or Sémillon) is a wine that you may not have tried before or heard much about. But it is one of France’s most famous grapes, and it stars in white blends worldwide. It is also a wine that has put our Hunter Valley region in Australia on the worldwide wine map. Semillon has an incredible range, whether it is dessert wines to bright and dry wines. Interested in learning more about this wine? Let’s dive into this Semillon wine guide!
Spotlight on Semillon
- Name: Semillon (or Sémillon if you’re French)
- Pronounced: Sem-ee-yon
- Type of wine: White wine
- Body: Light – Full
- Acidity: Medium
- Flavours: Lemon, pear, apple, honey, butter
- Pairs with: Fish, spicy food, dessert
- Serve: Chilled – 8 – 11 Degrees
Semillon is a wine that offers so much variety. It can be anything from light to full-bodied depending on age, style and region. In its youth, Semillon will include grass, lemon and apple, but as it ages these notes become honey and toasty. This wine is an important blending component in White Bordeaux and also is commonly blended with Sauvignon Blanc in Australia. It can also be used to make Botrytis wines and creates a beautiful dessert wine. So let’s look a little deeper in this Semillon wine guide.
Origins
Semillon’s origins are hard to pin down, although many agree that it originated in South-Western France in the Bordeaux region. This is where it is widely planted to this day producing some incredible white wines and blends.
In terms of new world Semillon, Australia is famous worldwide. It arrived in Australia in 1831 as part of James Busby’s collection and found its home in the Yarra Valley. Is was often mislabelled as Hunter Valley Riesling, Hock, White Burgundy or even Chablis. This resulted in not many knowing much about Semillon as a standalone. But its ease of growth made it a popular vine with winemakers, and today Australia is renowned for our Semillon wines.
Flavour profile of Semillon
The flavour profile of Semillon changes depending on the style, age and region of the wine. When young, you’ll get flavours of cut grass, lemon, apple and pear. Depending on where it’s grown it can be anything from a zippy wine like a Sauvignon Blanc to a rich lemon of a Chardonnay. But unlike many white wines, you can actually age some Semillon for decades. These wines can take on the rich, full flavours of honey, nuts and buttery textures. These are common wines that you can find in the Hunter Valley.
Where you’ll find Semillon and what to look for
There is such a range of Semillon that is sure to offer something for everyone! In terms of French Semillon, you’ll most commonly find it as part of a blend. White Bordeaux is the most famous example of this where Semillon is blended with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. It is also a primary ingredient in Bordeaux’s noble rot dessert wines.
In Australian Semillon, you’ll find four distinct styles:
- Unoaked single-variety
- Oaked single variety
- Blended (oaked or unoaked)
- Dessert wine
Unoaked styles age quite well but are zippy when young. The most famous region for these styles is the Hunter Valley which produces age worth and famous Semillon. However, the Barossa Valley which was once known for oaked styles of Semillon has started picking early and producing unoaked wines. The Barossa Valley and Clare Valley are known for their Oaked styles which are richer, toastier and fuller than the unoaked styles.
Another popular region for Semillon is the Margaret River where blends of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc are popular. Semillon adds a depth of flavour and length to Sauvignon Blanc wines, and so even if you aren’t a fan of this variety, you might love these!
Hunter Valley Semillon
It wouldn’t be a Semillon wine guide without mentioning the Hunter Valley! Although the Hunter Valley shouldn’t be capable of producing good Semillon with its warm, humid climate, it is one of the world’s great wine wonders. Wines from the Hunter Valley morph over time from zesty wines to deep golden, nutty and honey filled old wines. Hunter Valley Semillon starts is an almost water-white wine with grassy herb characteristics and citrus. However after five years in the bottle, the finest examples with high acidity and low alcohol transform. These characteristics are likened to a wine spending time in oak. The best part about it is that these Semillons that are age-worthy are still very affordable.
What to pair with Semillon
Because of Semillon’s broad range of flavours, it has plenty of pairing options.
Fresh, young and zippy Semillon can be paired with Asian dishes and moderate spice. These also pair great with simple seafood dishes.
Older Semillon becomes rich and buttery which means it is great with an array of foods. However creamy Indian dishes are a perfect match, or creamy sauces such as hollandaise.
Blended Semillon (particularly White Bordeaux) has a reputation for being perfect with sushi and raw fish.
Looking to pair a dessert wine? Think Foie Gras, fruit platters or Ice Cream.
In summary: Semillon wine guide
Whether you are on the hunt for a zippy refreshing wine or an aged, toasty white wine, Semillon has something to offer everyone. I hope this Semillon wine guide has helped to open your eyes to this magical grape that has truly put the Hunter Valley on the world wine map!