Do you know the grape variety Sémillon, an essential component of the great dry and sweet white wines of Bordeaux and the South-West ?
From its historical origins to its captivating aromas and delicious food and wine pairings, we invite you here to join us in discovering everything you need to know about this magnificent variety. Ready to learn more? Enjoy your reading !
Summary
What is the history of Sémillon?
The exact origins of Sémillon remain shrouded in mystery, as is often the case for many ancient grape varieties. However, it is generally accepted that this grape finds its roots more than 2 000 years ago in the Gallo-Roman vineyards of the Bordeaux region. The Romans are believed to have introduced various grape varieties to Gaul, including the ancestor of Sémillon.
Several archaeological remains and ancient documents confirm this theory and suggest that varieties very close to our grape were used to produce white wines as early as that time.
During the Middle Ages, Sémillon gradually established itself as a grape of choice in Bordeaux and spread to other vineyards, such as those in the South-West (Bergerac, Monbazillac, etc.). Monasteries and abbeys, true centers of wine production, then played a key role in the spread of this grape.
During the Renaissance, the sweet wines of Sauternes, mainly made from Sémillon, began to stand out for their exceptional quality. The introduction of noble rot, or Botrytis cinerea, then played a decisive role in the production of these exceptional cuvées. This fungal mold concentrates the sugars and aromas in the grapes, still giving local cuvées their unique character today, combining sweetness and great aromatic richness.
At the end of the 19th century, the phylloxera, an aphid imported from America, decimated French and European vineyards. Nevertheless, our grape managed to survive thanks to its resistance and adaptability.
After the Second World War, consumer preferences evolved. Dry white wines were then preferred over sweet wines and Sauvignon Blanc, with its lively acidity and fruity aromas, developed, especially throughout the South-West and Bordeaux. Thus, this trend led to a significant reduction in the hectares dedicated to Sémillon, which dropped from more than 30,000 hectares at the beginning of the 20th century to less than 15,000 hectares today.
To this day, our grape variety is still planted in many French regions and various foreign countries, as we will see.
Where is Sémillon grown?
While France, and mainly the vineyard of Bordeaux, remains the birthplace of Sémillon, it has been well exported since the Middle Ages !
In Bordeaux, it remains the leading white grape variety planted with a little over 10 000 hectares (47% of white plantings). It is notably at the heart of the famous sweet wine appellations such as Sauternes, Barsac or Cadillac.
The variety is also found in dry white wines such as in AOC Bordeaux, Entre-Deux-Mers or Pessac-Léognan, bringing its richness and smoothness.
The South-West also honors it, with appellations such as Monbazillac, Saussignac, Bergerac, Côtes de Gascogne, or Gaillac. Finally, it is also found in small proportions in other French regions such as Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, or the Rhône Valley.
Internationally, Sémillon has notably conquered Australia. The vineyard of Hunter Valley has even become emblematic for this grape, offering cuvées of remarkable longevity.
Finally, the variety is also found in South Africa (in the Cape vineyards), but also in Chile, the United States, and New Zealand.
Map of Bordeaux: French homeland of Sémillon
The characteristics of the Sémillon grape variety
Sémillon vines are rather easy to recognize: the leaves are light green, often slightly bronzed. The bunches are generally large, round, and take on a beautiful golden color as they ripen.
Although our variety is quite vigorous, it remains sensitive to diseases and therefore requires special attention. However, this sensitivity to fungi makes it perfect for producing sweet wines, as it particularly encourages the development of noble rot, also known as botrytis cinerea.
From an aromatic point of view, Sémillon's palette is very interesting and varies depending on the winemaking style and terroir.
In dry wines, the grape generally reveals flavors of lemon, peach, apricot, or even white flowers. On warmer terroirs, some exotic notes may also appear. The acidity of the wines is often on the lower side and the variety also brings a rather round texture to the cuvées produced.
Finally, when vinified as a sweet wine, our grape develops, among others, aromas of candied fruits (orange, pear, peach), saffron as well as honey. A delight in every sip!
Which dishes to pair with Sémillon?
With its richness and diversity of flavors, Sémillon lends itself to a multitude of food and wine pairings. Here are some suggestions to whet your appetite.
- Seafood and shellfish : Looking for the ideal companion to pair with your oysters and shrimp? Dry white wines based on Sémillon will be perfect. Their slight acidity and lovely roundness will pair wonderfully with the briny character of these dishes.
- White meats: a dry white made from Sémillon is also an excellent choice for dishes based on chicken, veal or pork. Try your wine, for example, with a chicken risotto for a memorable pairing!
- Cheeses : our grape variety also pairs beautifully with several cheeses. When vinified in a dry style, Comté, Gruyère, and fresh goat cheeses will be excellent partners. For a sweet Sémillon, try pairings with Roquefort or Bleu.
- Desserts : finally, sweet Sémillon wines are a perfect choice for dessert. Try them with a pear tart or a treat made with exotic fruits to echo the aromas of your nectar.
And don't forget, to fully appreciate the aromas and flavors of Sémillon, serve your cuvées at a temperature of 8 to 10°C for dry whites, and around 10 to 12°C for sweet wines. Cheers!
There’s nothing like a delicious platter of fresh seafood to enhance your dry Sémillon!
The best wines made from the Sémillon grape variety
Among the great wines made from Sémillon, Château Haut-Bergeron stands out in particular. Located in the heart of Sauternes, this estate produces cuvées of exceptional quality that capture all the sweetness and aromatic richness of the finest sweet wines.
Imagine here aromas of candied pear and mango, beeswax, vanilla, and butter dancing on your palate !
If you prefer dry wines, try the delicious Bordeaux Blanc cuvée from Château Saransot-Dupré. While this 17-hectare Cru Bourgeois based in Listrac-Médoc is indeed a reference for its delicious red wines, this white version also deserves your full attention !
As you can see, Sémillon is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and versatile grape varieties in the wine world. So, tempted by a tasting?
Feel free to explore our website La Cave Éclairée to discover our selection of cuvées made from this grape variety !
