Puget Sound Amateur Wine and Beermakers Club

Semillon

Even though the Semillon grape is popular and the most widely panted grape in France, few have ever heard its name. This is because the grape is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. White Bordeaux from France is a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Dry Semillon wines are full of crisp citrus flavors with a touch of fresh herbs. The finish on young Semillon is quick  on the palate, as these wines age, the flavors deepen and become more complex, almost toasty, and offer a lingering finish.

There is a sweet style of Semillon too. These grapes are quick to mold and in the wine world this is known as “noble rot”. The result is a sweet, highly concentrated juice. Sweet style Semillon is rich and complex with luch peach and apricot flavors. The finish is slow and lingering like honey.

One hundred percent of Semillon is suitable to drink immediately and does not take well to aging. For the sweet style, choose the Semillon Sauternes region in France. If you prefer dry, go with Semillon from Australia or Hogue Semillon from Washington.

If you want a white wine that is full-bodied and oaky, the flavors of Semillon will come off as boring and flabby.