/ SEM-ee-yohn / · Also known as Semillon
Quiet when young, magical with age — and the secret behind Sauternes.
Sémillon is waxy, low in aroma and gently citrusy when young, but it transforms with age into honeyed, toasty complexity. Its thin skins make it prone to noble rot, which concentrates the grapes into the legendary sweet wines of Sauternes. In Australia's Hunter Valley it makes low-alcohol dry whites that age for decades.
Serve at
8–12°C
Glass
White wine glass
Decanting
Not needed
Climate
Moderate
How Sémillon typically feels in the mouth.
What to look for in the glass.
Young & dry
With age
Sweet (noble rot)
The regions to know on a wine list.
Legendary sweet wines
Pessac-Léognan & Graves · France
Dry blends with Sauvignon Blanc
Low-alcohol, ages for decades
Crisp blends with Sauvignon Blanc
Classic matches that work every time.
Say it at the table
“The grape behind Sauternes — golden, honeyed and sweet. Try it with blue cheese, it's a revelation.”
How Vinosoma trains your staff →Grapes worth exploring next.
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