Semillon is a white grape variety from France that is behind many of the world’s great white wines, sweet and dry, although its popular profile is eclipsed by regular blending partner Sauvignon Blanc.
Semillon tasted young can be rather austere with restrained aromas and a tight structure showing crisp flavours of grassy citrus. With age the variety undergoes a transformation, putting on weight and texture to display rich notions of lemongrass, lime curd, toastiness, fresh hay, wax and lanolin. Semillon is often given aromatic and acidic lift with the addition of Sauvignon Blanc, an established combination for both dry and sweet expressions. The latter style is characterised by intense apricot and marmalade flavours that become darker, spicier and nuttier with age.
Semillon comes from south-west France, where it has a long tradition of producing both sweet and dry wines, most famously in Bordeaux but also the surrounding regions.
Semillon has its largest plantings in south-west France, most notably in Bordeaux’s Graves, Entre-Deux-Mers, Sauternes and Barsac appellations, although the variety also plays a significant role in lesser-known regions such as Bergerac and Gaillac. Semillon’s second home is undoubtedly Australia, with numerous old vine parcels in Barossa and Hunter Valley. In Hunter Valley, Semillon makes a very distinct style of light, white wine that develops untold complexity with bottle age. Margaret River popularised a vibrant Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blend which is now emulated in other regions such as Adelaide Hills. Semillon plantings in South Africa have plummeted in the modern era but the variety retains a presence here in the shadow of Sauvignon Blanc. Chile, Argentina, California and Washington State all tell a similar story.
Semillon’s thin skin makes it susceptible to botrytis, the “noble” rot that is the source of Sauternes’ fame.
- Château Climens, Barsac, Bordeaux
- Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux
- McWilliams, Hunter Valley, Australia
- Boekenhoutskloof, Franschhoek, South Africa
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Barnawartha Pinot, Blanc Sémillon, Boal no Douro, Chevrier, Blanc doux, Colombard, Colombarride, Féher semillon, Daune verte, Dausne, Mansois blanc, Groendruif, Gros sémillon, Mancès blanc, Hunter River Riesling, Greengrape, Goulon blanc, Goulu blanc, Maisois blanc, Marcillac, Monsois blanc, Madeira, Semillon white, Semion, Petit sémillon, Semillon picolo, Semijon, Semilão, Semilhão, Sémilion, Semillon, Semillon bianco, Sémillon blanc, Sémillon crucillant, Semillon Féher, Sémillon muscat, Sercial, Sémillon roux, Semillon weisser, Sotern, Merwah
