Everything About Semillon Grape
"seh-mee-yohn" 
Semillon Description
Origin: Bordeaux, France
History: Sémillon is a golden-skinned grape native to the Bordeaux region of France. Historically, it was one of the most planted white grape varieties globally, especially prominent in regions like South Africa and Chile. Its thin skin makes it particularly susceptible to Botrytis cinerea (noble rot), essential for producing renowned sweet wines like Sauternes and Barsac. Over time, Sémillon has found new expressions in various parts of the world, notably in Australia, where it has become a cornerstone of the Hunter Valley's wine identity.
Appearance: Small to medium-sized, golden-yellow berries with a thin skin, often developing a pinkish hue when fully ripe.
Growing Traits: Sémillon is relatively easy to cultivate, producing vigorous vines with consistent yields. It ripens early and thrives in regions with sunny days and cool nights. However, its thin skin makes it susceptible to diseases like Botrytis cinerea, which, while detrimental in many grape varieties, is desirable for producing sweet, botrytized wines.
Food Pairing Dry Sémillon pairs well with seafood, poultry, and dishes featuring creamy sauces, complementing flavors like lemon butter and herbs. Sweet Sémillon, such as Sauternes, is excellent with foie gras, blue cheeses, and desserts like tarte tatin, balancing sweetness with acidity.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Medium to full-bodied with a rich, oily texture, offering depth and complexity. Versatile in vinification, ranging from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, particularly in botrytized dessert wines. Negligible tannin levels, as it is a white grape variety used in white wine production. Moderate acidity, providing balance and aging potential, especially in cooler climates. Typically moderate, ranging from 11% to 13.5%, varying with style and region.
Citrus (lemon, lime) 
Stone fruits (peach, apricot) 
Honey 
Nuts 
Lanolin Sémillon wines exhibit flavors of citrus and stone fruits when young, developing notes of honey, nuts, and lanolin with age. Sweet versions offer rich honey and dried apricot flavors, while dry styles can present grassy and herbal nuances, especially when blended with Sauvignon Blanc.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/france.png)
France
•Bordeaux
•Bergerac
![[object Object] Region](/regions/australia.png)
Australia
•Hunter Valley
•Barossa Valley
•Margaret River
![[object Object] Region](/regions/south_africa.png)
South Africa
•Franschhoek
•Stellenbosch
•Western Cape
![[object Object] Region](/regions/chile.png)
Chile
•Central Valley
![[object Object] Region](/regions/united_states.png)
United States
•Washington State
•California
Notable Wines and Producers
Château d'Yquem
•Château d'Yquem
Tyrrell's Vat 1 Hunter Semillon
•Tyrrell's Wines
Peter Lehmann Margaret Semillon
•Peter Lehmann Wines
Semillon FAQ
Bordeaux, France
Semillon has a body level of 4 out of 5. Which means that Semillon is Moderate to Full bodied.
Semillon has a dryness level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Semillon is Semi-Dry.
Bordeaux, France
Semillon is grown in France (Bordeaux, Bergerac)Australia (Hunter Valley, Barossa Valley, Margaret River)South Africa (Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Western Cape)Chile (Central Valley)United States (Washington State, California).
Sémillon wines exhibit flavors of citrus and stone fruits when young, developing notes of honey, nuts, and lanolin with age. Sweet versions offer rich honey and dried apricot flavors, while dry styles can present grassy and herbal nuances, especially when blended with Sauvignon Blanc.
Dry Sémillon pairs well with seafood, poultry, and dishes featuring creamy sauces, complementing flavors like lemon butter and herbs. Sweet Sémillon, such as Sauternes, is excellent with foie gras, blue cheeses, and desserts like tarte tatin, balancing sweetness with acidity.
Sémillon wines exhibit flavors of citrus and stone fruits when young, developing notes of honey, nuts, and lanolin with age. Sweet versions offer rich honey and dried apricot flavors, while dry styles can present grassy and herbal nuances, especially when blended with Sauvignon Blanc.