Meet Sémillon

If you follow our Instagram, you’ve seen that we’ve been exploring the vinifera grapes classified as “noble.” Noble grapes are arguably the best-known grapes, planted in the best-known regions. They are known to retain their characteristics no matter where they’re grown. This is why many people can pick out a Chardonnay or a Cabernet Sauvignon just by tasting them. Today, we’re introducing you to Sémillon, a white wine grape that is used as a blending grape but can also stand on its own in varietal wines.

Where Sémillon is Found and it’s Common Styles

If you want to try Sémillon, you’ve got several choices, which makes for a fun tasting event!

The three regions to seek out are France’s Bordeaux, Australia’s Hunter Valley and South Africa.

Bordeaux Sémillon

In Bordeaux you’ll find Sémillon blended with Sauvignon Blanc in a dry wine. You’ll also find it in the luxurious, prized dessert wines of Sauternes. Here, the grape is allowed to develop botrytis. It is the majority in Sauternes and similar wines whereas in the dry blends it is a secondary grape.

Hunter Valley Sémillon

Here, Sémillon is made dry, oaked or unoaked, as a varietal wine.

South Africa

Here the wines are also vinted dry. 

Characteristics of Sémillon

Sémillon has an interesting aroma and flavor profile, plus textural notes that make it really interesting. While it shares characteristics with Sauv Blanc and Riesling, it’s truly in a class of its own. 

On the nose expect citrus and stone fruit (all in shades of yellow and green) along with chamomile. There’s also distinct flavors and feelings of brine and beeswax, which make for an exceptional texture. While not as oily as Viognier, it’s along those lines of a striking texture. In hot climates expect ripeness and more tropical notes whereas cooler climates tend to lean toward the more austere (but still complex). 

Our Favorite Sémillon Pairings

Sémillon and seafood are a match made in heaven, and we also love it with risotto, so a simple seafood risotto is our top recommendation. It’s also great with starchier veggies (potatoes, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, corn) so consider a skillet or casserole, roasted veggies or even a root vegetable tart. Dill and fennel are great spices to bring out the complexity and while white wine and cheese is always a go, reach for that cheddar first!

Want to learn more about Sémillon? Check out our Instagram or book a tasting!