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History of Semillon

The history of Semillon can be very difficult to pin down but it is know that this grape first came to Australia in the early 1800's and that some of the best known Semillon wines come from Australia's Hunter Valley. Semillon Grapes are planted the world over; France, Portugal, Israel, Tunisia, South Africa, California and South America all grow Semillon grapes.

When we look at the history of Semillon we see that by the 1820's over 90% of all South African plantings were of this Wine Grape. Things have changed dramatically since then though and now that number has shrunk to less than 1%.

Australia on the other hand has almost 17,000 acres of Semillon planted and France's Bordeaux region has over 30,000 acres. The Bordeaux region produces many of the world's finest wines and only certain types of grapes are even allowed to be grown there. This should tell you that Semillon grapes are an important wine grape. Actually, at one time this grape was the most widely planted White Wine Grape in the world.

What many people don't realize is that Semillon grapes make an excellent wine all themselves. This is because throughout the history of Semillon, it has always been blended with other varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, to make finer wines. The French blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc produces some of the world's most expensive sweet white Suaternes. Semillon grapes also make up eighty percent of the world's most famously expensive dessert wine, Chateau d'Yquem.

We can see by looking at the history of Semillon that this is indeed a very popular and highly revered grape. This is largely due to its adaptability to different climates and can also be used to produce both dry and sweet wines.

Today, Semillon Wines are one of the most popular White Wine Varieties and is used in the making of some of the world's finest and most expensive wines. (see also Semillon Wine Recommendations)