Semillon is a silky smooth, fuller-bodied white wine that’s crisp and zesty when young yet mellow and honeyed with some aging. Loved for its role in white Bordeaux blends, it’s also the starring player in one of the best dessert wines in the world, Sauternes (the most amazing pairing with seared foie gras!).
Semillon is a white wine originating in the Bordeaux region of France, though it’s found remarkable success in Australia. While delicious as a single varietal, it’s most often made as a blend alongside Sauvignon Blanc in the classic white Bordeaux style. These wines are crisp, refreshing, age-worthy, and food-friendly.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into Semillon wine, its growing region, tasting notes, serving recommendations, and of course, plenty of food pairings.
Interested in learning about other white wines? Consider reading our guides on Pinot Grigio, Riesling, or Sancerre next!
Characteristics of Semillon
Semillon, or Sémillon, is a thin-skinned grape originating in Bordeaux. It’s still predominantly planted here, though exceptional examples are being made across Australia.
Semillon’s thin-skinned berries are both a blessing and a curse. When the weather cooperates, Semillon makes velvety, peach-forward, dry white wines. When there’s too much moisture, or the grapes are left on the vines for too long, you’re “rewarded” with every wine lover’s favorite fungus–botrytis!
Also known as noble rot, botrytis is a fungus that infects fruits. When those grapes are made into wine, it gives them a sweet, rich, honeyed flavor with a long finish. The best example of these wines is Sauternes, made from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux.
As mentioned, Semillon makes a tasty single varietal, though it’s most often blended with Sauvignon Blanc to add more body and a rounded mouthfeel.
Tasting Notes
Semillon is made either in a dry style or as a dessert wine. When made dry, these wines are medium in acidity, medium body, and medium in alcohol content. Dessert wines tend to be slightly higher in alcohol, ranging from 13-16%.
When enjoyed young, Semillon exudes flavors and aromas of lemon, beeswax, and peach. With some aging, those flavors transition to reveal more honey, ginger, and nutty notes.
Semillon may be aged in stainless steel or neutral oak, depending on the region and if it’s blended. Sauternes is aged in partially new oak barrels, adding a noticeable breadiness and deeper honey aromas.
How to Serve Semillon
Semillon is best served in a standard white wine glass, well-chilled at around 40 – 45°F. Decanting is not necessary.
Sauternes and Sauterne-style dessert wines should be served in a dessert wine glass, chilled at around 40-50°F.
Notable Regions
Semillon was first cultivated and remains a staple grape in Bordeaux, though it has found success elsewhere. Below are some notable growing regions making the best Semillon.
Bordeaux
Semillon is among the few white grapes permitted to be used in white Bordeaux (along with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle). When blended with Sauvignon, its smooth, silky texture and stonefruit flavor perfectly slice through the sharp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc, yielding a well-rounded and age-worthy blend.
Australia
It’s true that some of the best Semillon is made in Australia, though the two couldn’t taste more different. Australian Semillon is tart, zesty, and apple-y when young. Following some aging, it transforms into a honeyed, rich wine with distinctive spiced and dried fruit aroma.
The best examples of Semillon in Australia are found in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales and the Margaret River of Western Australia.
Other Regions Worth Noting
California – Small plantings used to make Bordeaux-style dry whites and botrytized dessert wines.
Provence – Commonly used in blends alongside unusual pairing partners such as Chardonnay, Marsanne, and Viognier
Food Pairings
As a blend, Semillon is incredibly food-friendly. Its rounded texture and balance of citrus, stonefruit, and honey flavors make it the perfect pairing for all types of seafood, including sushi, fish, and oysters.
Some other favorites include chicken, veal, vegetable dishes, and pasta. It’s the perfect pairing for my juicy lemon ground chicken meatballs, easy homemade beef kebabs, and summer pasta with corn and basil.
Sauternes, being a dessert wine, should be paired with desserts that have a nutty, lemon, or honey component. For a contrasting pairing, serve it alongside foie gras, spicy food, or salty cheeses.
Whether you’re looking to explore the white wines of Bordeaux or you just want to sip on an exceptional aromatic white wine, we think you’ll love exploring Semillon wine. Be sure to shout out any favorite food pairings or specific Semillon wines you’ve tried and loved!
Let us know your thoughts!