Semillon is a white wine grape, native to the Bordeaux wine region of France, used to create a variety of both dry and sweet wines. It was once one of the most widely planted grapes throughout the world.
Semillon Wine Regions
The history of the Semillon grape begins in France where it was a native species with a natural immunity to many vine diseases which made it easy to grow. Today, it is more selectively grown and is useful as it ripens early in warmer climates such as the Barossa and Hunter Valley.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon wines are widely celebrated for their exceptional quality and distinctive characteristics. Renowned for their crisp acidity, delicate aromas, refreshing citrus flavours and unparalleled aging potential, these wines captivate wine enthusiasts worldwide.
FAQ's
Is Semillon a dry or sweet wine?
Semillon is often associated with sweet wines by many Australian wine drinkers, but it also shines as a delightful dry wine. To create a sweet style, the Semillon grapes undergo noble rot, known as botrytis. Vintners selectively choose rot-affected grapes for intense sweetness. However, Semillon's dry style, particularly from Hunter Valley, is highly esteemed. These wines showcase vibrant acidity, nuanced flavours, and exceptional aging potential, offering a sophisticated and well-balanced wine experience.
Is Semillon similar to Sauvignon Blanc?
Both wines have their own charm and are worth exploring for their individual profiles with unique qualities; Semillon tends to offer a fuller body, softer acidity, and a broader range of flavours, including honeyed notes. Sauvignon Blanc, on the other hand, is known for its vibrant acidity, zesty citrus flavours, and herbaceous aromas.
How do you store Semillon wine?
Store Semillon bottles horizontally in a cool, dark, and vibration-free environment, ideally between 7°C-13°C. Maintaining a humidity level of around 70% will prevent the cork from drying and avoid exposure to direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. With proper storage, Semillon wine can age gracefully, enhancing its complexity and flavour over time.
All of our wines are personally tasted by our wine experts who make their personal notes available for viewing online when you purchase your Semillon or any of our other wine varieties.
