Do you know the grape variety Sémillon, essential for the great dry and sweet white wines of Bordeaux and the Southwest ?
From its historical origins to its captivating aromas and delicious food and wine pairings, we invite you here to explore everything you need to know about this magnificent variety.Ready to learn more? A great read awaits you !
Summary
What is the history of Sémillon?
The exact origins of Sémillon remain shrouded in mystery, as is often the case with many ancient grape varieties.However, it is generally accepted that this grape has its roots over 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 similar 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 Southwest (Bergerac, Monbazillac, etc.).The monasteries and abbeys, true centers of wine production, 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, played a decisive role in the production of these exceptional vintages. This bacterial mold concentrates the sugars and aromas in the grapes, still giving local vintages 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 the French and European vineyards.Nevertheless, our grape variety manages to sustain itself thanks to its resistance and adaptability.
After World War II, consumer preferences evolved. Dry white wines were then preferred over sweet wines, and Sauvignon Blanc, with its lively acidity and fruity aromas, developed notably throughout the Southwest and Bordeaux regions. Thus, this trend led to a significant reduction in the hectares dedicated to Sémillon, decreasing from over 30,000 hectares at the beginning of the 20th century to less than 15,000 hectares today.
To this day, our grape variety remains planted in many French regions and various foreign countries, as we will see.
Where is Sémillon grown?
If France, and mainly the Bordeaux vineyard Bordeaux, remains the cradle of Sémillon, it has been well exported since the Middle Ages !
In the Bordeaux region, it remains the first planted grape variety with a little over 10 000 hectares (47% of white plantings). It is notably at the heart of famous sweet wine appellations such as Sauternes, Barsac or Cadillac.
The variety is also found in non-sweet white wines such as in AOC Bordeaux, Entre-Deux-Mers or even Pessac-Léognan, bringing its richness and smoothness.
The Southwest also honors it, with appellations like Monbazillac, Saussignac, Bergerac, Côtes de Gascogne, and Gaillac. Finally, it is also found in small proportions in other French regions such as Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, and the Rhône Valley.
Internationally, Sémillon has notably conquered Australia. The Hunter Valley vineyard has even become emblematic for this grape variety, offering vintages with remarkable longevity.
Finally, the variety is also found in South Africa (in the Cape vineyards), as well as in Chile, the United States, and New Zealand.
Bordeaux Map: French homeland of Sémillon
The characteristics of the Sémillon grape variety
The Sémillon vines are relatively easy to recognize: the leaves are light green in color, often slightly bronzed. The clusters are generally large, rounded, and take on a beautiful golden color as they ripen.
Although our variety is quite vigorous, it remains susceptible to diseases and therefore requires special attention.However, this sensitivity to fungi makes it perfect for producing sweet wines, as it particularly promotes the development of noble rot, also known as botrytis cinerea.
From an aromatic perspective, the palette of Sémillon is very interesting and varies depending on the winemaking style and the terroir.
In dry wines, the grape variety generally reveals flavors of lemon, peach, apricot, or even white flowers. In warmer terroirs, some exotic notes may also appear. The acidity of the wines often remains at a relatively low average, and the variety also brings a rather round texture to the produced cuvées.
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 : Are you looking for the perfect companion to pair with your oysters and shrimp? Dry white wines based on Sémillon will be perfect. Their slight acidity and beautiful roundness will wonderfully complement the iodized character of these dishes.
- White Meats: a dry white from Sémillon is also an excellent choice for dishes based on chicken, veal, or pork. Try your wine with a chicken risotto for a memorable pairing!
- Cheeses : our grape variety also pairs beautifully with several cheeses.When vinified with a dry profile, Comté, Gruyère, and fresh goat cheeses will be excellent partners. For a sweet Sémillon, try pairing it with Roquefort or Bleu.
- Desserts : finally, sweet Sémillon wines are a perfect choice at dessert time. Test 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!
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 particularly. Located in the heart of Sauternes, this estate indeed produces vintages of exceptional quality that capture all the sweetness and aromatic richness of great sweet wines.
Imagine here aromas of candied pear and mango, beeswax, vanilla, and butter dancing on the palate !
If you prefer wines without sugars, 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 cuvée also deserves your full attention !
As you may have understood, Sémillon is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and versatile grape varieties in the wine world. So, tempted by a tasting?
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