Variety
WhiteSémillon
Also known as: Semillon
The soul of Sauternes – botrytis-prone, waxy, long-lived. Blended dry with Sauvignon Blanc in Pessac-Léognan; legendary in Australia as aged Hunter Semillon.
Taste profile
Six axes — acidity, sweetness, body, tannin, aroma intensity and depth — on a 0–5 scale, based on typical style. Real wines vary by region and producer.
Typical aromas — Sémillon
These 6 aromas typically define Sémillon. Actual taste experience varies by region and style.
Honey
Apricot
Beeswax
Lanolin
Lemon zest
Saffron
Sémillon aroma families
These aroma categories are characteristic of Sémillon. Other varieties have different focuses.
Fruit aromas are the most common and come directly from the grape, ranging from citrus through stone fruit to black berries.
Floral aromas are especially marked in aromatic varieties like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
Wood and toast aromas emerge from aging in oak barriques or larger wooden barrels.
Secondary aromas from malolactic fermentation and yeast lysis, common in whites and sparkling wines.
Key regions
Sémillon is grown in the following regions of our atlas. Click to see wineries.
Wineries with Sémillon
12 curated profiles in our atlas grow Sémillon.
12 wineries
Château d'Yquem
Sauternes & Barsac · Sauternes
Sémillon ~75%, Sauvignon Blanc ~25%
Château Climens
Sauternes & Barsac · Barsac
Sémillon 100%
Xanadu Wines
Margaret River · Margaret River
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
Pierro
Margaret River · Wilyabrup
Chardonnay (flagship, Gin-Gin clone), Cabernet Sauvignon
Voyager Estate
Margaret River · Margaret River
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
Evans & Tate
Margaret River · Wilyabrup
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Flowstone Wines
Margaret River · Forest Grove
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Maison de Sauternes
Sauternes & Barsac · Sauternes
Semillon, Muscadelle
Clos des Millésimes
Bordeaux (Stadt & Négoce) · Bordeaux
Muscat, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc