In Australia, the Sémillon grape widely planted.
The classic region is Hunter Valley.
Typical Sémillon flavors are Lemon, Apple, Pear, Apricot, and Green Papaya, with notes of Grass and Vanilla, combined with a Waxy taste (Lanolin).
Lemon |
Apple |
Pear |
Apricot |
Grass |
Vanilla |
Butter |
Candied Ginger |
Depending on production and climate, Sémillon can range from tasting like zesty Sauvignon Blanc to creamy oaked Chardonnay.
Sémillon often has a full body much like Chardonnay, but with flavors more like Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc.
SUGAR: | Dry 3g/l |
BODY: | Medium - Full |
FRUIT: | Medium |
ACIDITY: | Medium - Low |
ALCOHOL: | 11-13% ABV |
Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) Oaked 10-12°C (50-54°F) |
Semillon is "The ultimate food wine".
Unoaked Semillon can be Fresh and Zippy. Perfect for White Fish and Shellfish.
Lightly oaked, it can be perfect for Richer Seafood like Lobster and Salmon.
More oaked, Semillon pairs well with Chicken, Veal, and Pork.
Shrimps |
Fish |
Seafood |
Lobster |
Tapas |
Salads |
Pasta |
Rice |
Chili |
Chicken |
Pork |
Veal |
Clams. Mussels. Shellfish.
Lobster. Salmon.
Pork. Veal. Chicken.
Pasta Salads.
Blue Cheese.
Roquefort. Gorgonzola.
Danablue. Stilton.
The Chardonnay Glass was designed for enjoying full-bodied white wines. They have a wider bowl and a tapered top to enhance the buttery and oaky notes found in aged wines. The wide bowl steers the wine to the sensitive parts of the tongue, ensuring that the acidity creates a harmonious balance with the sweet aromas of the wine. The wide bowl allows the full bouquet of aromas to develop. It also reduces the risk for over-concentrated aromas. |
Some human influences contribute to the distinctive characteristics of Hunter Valley Semillon:
Early Harvest
The grapes are harvested early with low sugar levels and high acidity.
Canopy Management
By pruning and training the vines, winemakers ensure optimal sunlight exposure
and air circulation around the grape clusters.
This helps to maintain the health of the vines, reduce the risk of disease, and promote even
ripening of the grapes.
The result is a more balanced and high-quality fruit, which is essential for producing the distinctive
Hunter Valley Semillon.
Minimalist Winemaking Techniques
Winemakers in the Hunter Valley often employ minimalist techniques, such as whole-bunch pressing,
neutral yeast selection, and very light lees contact.
Inert vessels are used to avoid contact with oxygen and to allow the natural
characteristics of the Semillon grape to shine through.
This approach results in wines that are fresh, zesty, and expressive of their terroir,
with a bright citrus profile and the potential for long-term aging.
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