Sémillon (France)

In France, the Sémillon grape is grown mostly in Bordeaux.

Typical Flavors


Lemon
Lemon
Apple
Apple
Pear
Pear
Apricot
Apricot

Grass
Grass
Vanilla
Vanilla
Butter
Butter
Ginger
Candied Ginger

Typical Sémillon flavors are Lemon, Apple, Pear, Apricot, and Green Papaya, with notes of Grass and Vanilla, combined with a Waxy taste (Lanolin).

Depending on production and climate, Sémillon can range from tasting like zesty Sauvignon Blanc to creamy oaked Chardonnay.

Profile

Sémillon often has a full body much like Chardonnay, but with flavors more like Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc.

SUGARDry
BODYMedium - Full
FRUITMedium
ACIDITYMedium - Low
Serving temperature:
8-10°C (46-50°F)
Oaked 10-12°C (50-54°F)

Food Pairing


Shrimps
Shrimps
Fish
Fish
Seafood
Seafood
Lobster
Lobster

Tapas
Tapas
Salads
Salads
Pasta
Pasta
Rice
Rice

Chili
Chili
Chicken
Chicken
Pork
Pork
Veal
Veal

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.

Pairing Suggestions

Excellent Pairing:
Clams. Mussels. Shellfish.
Lobster. Salmon.
Pork. Veal. Chicken.
Pasta Salads.

Cheese:
Blue Cheese.
Roquefort. Gorgonzola.
Danablue. Stilton.

Blends

Semillon-Sauvignon blends such as white Bordeaux blends, are typically oaked.

These wines pair well with rich seafood like crab, fish pie, and salmon dishes, as well as with spicy pork, and Indian dishes with curries, mustard sauces, or coconut milk sauces.