Semillon: Bordeaux's Noble White Grape for Sauternes and Dry Wines

Names: SÃ©millon, Chevrier, Colombier
Country of Origin: France (Bordeaux / Sauternes)
Growing Regions: France, Australia (Hunter Valley), South Africa, United States, Chile, Argentina

Typical Aromas: lemon, apricot, honey, beeswax, vanilla, nuts

SÃ©millon is the iconic white grape of Bordeaux, the backbone of the world’s greatest sweet wines.

I. Origins and Heritage

Native to the Bordeaux region, SÃ©millon is the most widely planted white grape in Bordeaux, though often overshadowed in the media by Sauvignon Blanc.
Its first written mention dates back to the 18th century in the Sauternes region.

II. Role in Great Wines

Sauternes and Barsac: SÃ©millon is the king of sweet wines, often accounting for 80% of the blend. Its thin skin makes it particularly susceptible to noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), which concentrates sugars and aromas.
Bordeaux dry white: blended with Sauvignon Blanc, SÃ©millon brings roundness, texture, and waxy notes, balancing Sauvignon’s bright acidity.
Hunter Valley (Australia): it produces distinctive dry wines, light in their youth but capable of aging for decades, developing complex aromas of honey, toast, and roasted nuts.

III. Tasting Profile

Young SÃ©millon offers notes of lemon, green apple, and fresh herbs. With age, it develops deep aromas of dried apricot, honey, beeswax, vanilla, and candied fruits.
On the palate, it is characterized by a broad, oily texture, moderate but sufficient acidity for balance, and excellent aging potential.

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