SÉMILLON
Golden Texture With Quiet Complexity
Sémillon is an unsung white grape known for its plush texture, mellow fruit, and capacity to age beautifully. While often blended—especially with Sauvignon Blanc—it also shines on its own in both dry and sweet styles. From the waxy, citrusy whites of Australia’s Hunter Valley to the legendary botrytized wines of Sauternes, Sémillon quietly delivers depth, elegance, and a softly spoken richness that rewards close attention.
Key Characteristics
Sémillon typically produces medium- to full-bodied wines with moderate acidity and a rounded, almost oily mouthfeel. Young wines show citrus, stone fruit, and herbal tones, while aged examples develop notes of honey, toast, and lanolin.
Style
Still, white (dry and sweet)
Body
Medium to full
Acidity
Medium
Primary Grapes
Sémillon
Typical Flavors
Lemon curd, apricot, apple, beeswax, lanolin, chamomile, honey, toast (with age or oak)
Origin & History
Sémillon originates from Bordeaux, where it plays a central role in both dry white blends (with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle) and the world-renowned sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac. In Australia, Sémillon took root in the Hunter Valley, where it produces dry, low-alcohol wines that transform with age. Though less trendy than other white grapes, Sémillon has a long history and a loyal following among collectors and sommeliers for its surprising complexity and longevity.
How It’s Made
In dry styles, Sémillon may be fermented in stainless steel for freshness or in oak for texture and aging potential. Sweet versions from Bordeaux are made with botrytized grapes (affected by noble rot), which concentrates sugars and creates a luscious, honeyed profile. In either form, Sémillon often benefits from bottle age, developing layered, nutty, and toasty notes over time.
Notable Regions
Sémillon’s expression varies widely depending on climate and style.
France
Bordeaux
Graves, Sauternes, Barsac
Dry blends with citrus and toast; sweet wines with honey, saffron, and marmalade
Australia
Hunter Valley
New South Wales
Bone-dry, age-worthy whites with lemon and lanolin that deepen over time
South Africa
Stellenbosch, Swartland
Textural, waxy examples often blended with Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin
United States
Washington State, California
Riper styles with peach and citrus; often used in blends
Chile
Colchagua, Curicó
Affordable, round-textured wines with good weight and tropical hints
Food Pairings
Dry Sémillon’s weight and mellow acidity make it great with subtly flavored or creamy dishes. Sweet styles pair beautifully with rich, salty, or fruity desserts.
Dry Styles
Roast chicken, crab, scallops, mushroom risotto
Sweet Styles
Blue cheese, foie gras, tarte tatin, almond cake
Cheeses
Brie, triple-cream, aged Gouda (dry); Roquefort, Gorgonzola (sweet)
Vegetarian
Corn chowder, butternut squash ravioli, herbed potatoes
How to Serve It
Glassware
White wine glass (dry) or dessert wine glass (sweet)
Temperature
Dry: 48–52°F (9–11°C)
Sweet: 45–50°F (7–10°C)
Storage
Store on its side in a cool, dark place; top dry versions can age 5–20 years, while sweet wines can age for decades
Fun Fact
In blind tastings, aged Hunter Valley Sémillon is often mistaken for white Burgundy due to its toasty, complex profile—despite having no oak contact.
Recommended Producers
These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of Semillon-based whites, from Bordeaux’s grand estates to Argentina’s high-altitude blends.
Catena
A pioneering Argentine winery crafting innovative blends like White Clay, which showcases the texture and freshness of Semillón and Chenin Blanc.
Château Coutet
A Premier Cru estate in Barsac renowned for age-worthy sweet wines that balance richness with electric acidity and finesse.
Château Rieussec
A legendary Sauternes producer also known for R de Rieussec, a refined dry white that expresses Sauvignon and Semillon in harmony.
Clos des Lunes
A modern Bordeaux Blanc project focused on Semillon-driven wines like Lune d’Argent, offering purity, precision, and mineral depth.
Recommended Pours
Catena - White Clay Semillon Chenin Blanc 2020 — A textured and vibrant Argentine blend with citrus, honeysuckle, and a mineral-driven finish.
Chateau Coutet - 2007 — A luscious and balanced Barsac Sauternes with honeyed apricot, orange peel, and vibrant acidity.
Chateau Rieussec - R De Rieussec Bordeaux Blanc 2020 — A fresh, elegant dry white from a top Sauternes estate, showing grapefruit, white flowers, and subtle oak.
Clos Des Lunes - Lune D'Argent 2021 — A refined Bordeaux Blanc blending Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, with pear, lemon zest, and stony minerality.