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About Semillon GrapesSemillon is one of the most overlooked of the great winegrapes. Despite once being the most widely planted winegrape in the world, many have never heard of Semillon.  Part of its anonymity lies in its French roots. In most of France, wines are named by their region of origin, not by their grapes. In addition, Semillon is almost always blended with a more famous grape, Sauvignon Blanc, so its acclaim can get overshadowed. For example, drinkers of white Bordeaux, especially the area’s famous dessert wine, Sauternes, may not know that Semillon is a major contributor to the wine. In the 19th century, the Southern Hemisphere took to Semillon in a big way. In South Africa, 90% of their grapevines were Semillon, and as recently as the 1950s, about half of Chile’s vineyards were growing the grape as well. While Chile has all but abandoned the grape, South Africa still makes some notable examples of dry 100% Semillon as well as Bordeaux-style Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc blends. It’s Australia, however, that gave the grape an identity for many winedrinkers. Hunter Valley, north of Sydney, is famous for its 100% Semillon wines, full-bodied but crisp, dry, and definitely age-worthy. Down Under also led the way in two-varietal wines, and Semillon-Chardonnay has taken a place as the white version of the country’s Cabernet-Shiraz wines. Medium to full-bodied, Semillon-Chardonnay wines typically have the fruit notes we might expect from Chardonnay, but with the focus and textural qualities that Semillon does so well. Try the Snowy River Semillon Chardonnay 2008. |
