Semillon

Semillon is a versatile white grape with roots in Bordeaux, France, where it has been cultivated since at least the 18th century. It’s often blended with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle in Bordeaux whites but has since spread to wine regions around the world, including Australia, South Africa, Argentina, California, and Chile. Its adaptability and unique character have made it a favorite for both dry and sweet wines.

The grape produces small to medium berries in compact clusters and ripens late, which allows it to develop complex flavors and aromas. It’s particularly susceptible to botrytis, or noble rot, which is essential for producing rich, sweet dessert wines. In the glass, Semillon ranges from pale straw to golden yellow, offering aromas of citrus, tropical fruits, honey, and sometimes a distinctive lanolin note. On the palate, it can feel waxy or oily, with flavors of stone fruit and melon, all balanced by refreshing acidity.

Semillon shines in a variety of winemaking styles. In dry wines, it produces crisp, structured whites, often blended with Sauvignon Blanc for added brightness. When affected by noble rot, it transforms into luscious, age-worthy dessert wines with concentrated flavors and remarkable longevity. Regions like Australia’s Hunter Valley are famous for Semillon that develops incredible complexity with age, evolving over decades into rich, layered wines.

Semillon’s versatility and expressive nature make it a grape that can reflect both terroir and winemaking creativity, offering everything from vibrant, youthful whites to deep, honeyed dessert wines that improve with time.