Is Sémillon the Underrated Grape You Need to Try?
Are you tired of drinking the same old Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc? Have you ever heard of Sémillon? This grape variety might not be on your radar yet, but it should be. Sémillon is a versatile grape that can produce a range of wines from crisp, dry whites to rich, honeyed dessert wines. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history, characteristics, and food pairings of this underrated grape and why you should consider giving it a try.
Table of Contents
1. What is Sémillon?
2. History of Sémillon
3. Characteristics of Sémillon
4. Sémillon Wine Regions
5. Food Pairings for Sémillon
6. Why is Sémillon Underrated?
7. Buying and Storing Sémillon
8. How to Serve Sémillon
9. Conclusion: Why You Should Try Sémillon
10. FAQs
What is Sémillon?
Sémillon is a white grape variety that is believed to be native to the Bordeaux region of France. It is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc to produce traditional wines from the region, and it is also used to make sweet dessert wines. Sémillon is a versatile grape that can be grown in many wine regions around the world.
History of Sémillon
Historically, Sémillon has been overshadowed by its more popular cousin, Sauvignon Blanc. However, it has a rich history dating back to the 18th century in Bordeaux. Sémillon was one of the earliest grapes to be planted in the Graves region of Bordeaux and was used in the production of the area’s famous sweet wines. Later, in the 19th century, Sémillon was blended with Sauvignon Blanc to produce the world-renowned white wines of Pessac-Léognan, Graves, and Sauternes.
Characteristics of Sémillon
Sémillon grapes are thin-skinned and susceptible to rot, making them a challenging grape to grow. However, when the grapes are properly cared for, the resulting wines can be exceptional. The wine produced from Sémillon grapes has a range of flavors and aromas depending on where it is grown. In general, Sémillon wines tend to be full-bodied, with flavors of lemon, grapefruit, honey, and vanilla. They can also have a rich, waxy texture and a nutty finish.
Sémillon Wine Regions
Sémillon is grown in many wine regions around the world, but it is most famous for its role in the wines of Bordeaux. In Bordeaux, it is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc to produce crisp, dry whites or sweet dessert wines. Some of the most famous Sémillon-based wines from Bordeaux include Château d’Yquem, Château Rieussec, and Château Suduiraut.
Outside of Bordeaux, Sémillon is grown in Australia, where it is often blended with Chardonnay to produce rich, full-bodied whites. Hunter Valley, in particular, is known for producing some of the best Sémillon wines in the world. Other regions where Sémillon is grown include South Africa, Chile, Argentina, and the United States.
Food Pairings for Sémillon
One of the great things about Sémillon is that it pairs well with a variety of foods. Its medium to full-bodied texture makes it a good match for richer dishes like roasted chicken, grilled fish, or creamy pasta dishes. It also pairs well with seafood, especially shellfish like shrimp and scallops. If you’re looking for a cheese pairing for Sémillon, try a soft, creamy cheese like brie or camembert.
Sweet dessert wines made from Sémillon are a versatile pairing partner as well. They pair well with many types of desserts, including fruit-based desserts like tarts and pies or creamy desserts like crème brûlée.
Why is Sémillon Underrated?
Despite its versatility and delicious flavor profile, Sémillon is often overlooked in favor of other white grape varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. One reason for this might be that people are simply not as familiar with Sémillon. It is not as widely planted as other grape varieties and is often blended with other grapes, which makes it harder to recognize its distinct characteristics.
Another reason Sémillon is underrated might be that it is often associated with sweet, dessert wines. While sweet Sémillon wines are certainly delicious, they do not represent the full range of what Sémillon has to offer. Sémillon can be used to produce crisp, dry whites or rich, full-bodied wines that are perfect for many different food pairings.
Buying and Storing Sémillon
Sémillon wines are not always easy to find, but they are worth seeking out. Look for wines from Bordeaux, Australia, or other regions where Sémillon is grown. You can also find Sémillon as part of a blend, so look for wines that include Sémillon as one of the grapes used in the blend.
When it comes to storing Sémillon, dry Sémillon wines can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to five years. Sweet dessert wines made from Sémillon can be aged for decades and will continue to improve over time. Make sure to store sweet Sémillon wines in a cool, dark place and serve them slightly chilled.
How to Serve Sémillon
Sémillon is a versatile grape that can be served in a variety of ways. Dry Sémillon wines can be served slightly chilled, around 8-10°C, making them a great choice for warm summer days. Sweet Sémillon wines should be served slightly cooler, around 6-8°C, to bring out their flavors and aromas.
When serving Sémillon, use a white wine glass with a narrow rim to help concentrate the wine’s aromas. If you are serving a sweet dessert wine made from Sémillon, serve it in a smaller glass, similar to a sherry or port glass.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Sémillon
Sémillon is an underrated grape variety that is worth seeking out. Whether you prefer crisp, dry whites or rich, honeyed dessert wines, Sémillon can deliver a range of delicious flavors and aromas. It pairs well with a variety of foods, making it a versatile choice for any meal. So, the next time you’re in the wine aisle, don’t overlook Sémillon – it might just become your new favorite white wine.
FAQs
Q: What does Sémillon taste like?
A: Sémillon wines tend to be full-bodied, with flavors of lemon, grapefruit, honey, and vanilla. They can also have a rich, waxy texture and a nutty finish.
Q: What foods pair well with Sémillon?
A: Sémillon pairs well with a variety of foods, including roasted chicken, grilled fish, creamy pasta dishes, seafood, and soft, creamy cheeses like brie or camembert. Sweet dessert wines made from Sémillon pair well with fruit-based desserts like tarts and pies or creamy desserts like crème brûlée.
Q: Where is Sémillon grown?
A: Sémillon is grown in many wine regions around the world, but it is most famous for its role in the wines of Bordeaux. Outside of Bordeaux, Sémillon is grown in Australia, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, and the United States.
Q: How should I store Sémillon?
A: Dry Sémillon wines can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to five years. Sweet dessert wines made from Sémillon can be aged for decades and will continue to improve over time. Make sure to store sweet Sémillon wines in a cool, dark place and serve them slightly chilled.
Q: How should I serve Sémillon?
A: Dry Sémillon wines can be served slightly chilled, around 8-10°C. Sweet Sémillon wines should be served slightly cooler, around 6-8°C. Use a white wine glass with a narrow rim to help concentrate the wine’s aromas. If you are serving a sweet dessert wine made from Sémillon, serve it in a smaller glass, similar to a sherry or port glass.
Image Credit: Pexels