The grape variety Sémillon

Sémillon is a distinguished white grape variety primarily associated with Bordeaux, France, yet its influence extends globally. Renowned for its adaptability, Sémillon wines display a complex aromatic profile, often characterised by notes of lemon zest, peach, apple, honey, and almond, accompanied by a supple, waxy texture. Ageing can reveal nuances of toasted nuts, beeswax, and fig, especially in sweet renditions.

The grape thrives in Bordeaux—most notably in the regions of Sauternes and Graves—where it forms the backbone of legendary botrytised dessert wines, offering luscious flavours of apricot, marmalade, and honeyed richness. Sémillon also excels in Australia’s Hunter Valley, producing dry, fresh styles noted for their brisk citrus, lanolin, and sometimes subtle herbal undertones, which gain complexity with cellaring.

Sémillon’s versatility accommodates both single-varietal bottlings and blends, particularly with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Dry expressions are elegantly structured, while sweet versions exhibit a decadent, unctuous mouthfeel. Ideal food pairings encompass zesty seafood such as oysters and crab, roast chicken, creamy risottos, and for sweet Sémillons, intriguing combinations with blue cheese or fruit-based desserts yield remarkable results.