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Semillon Grapes

Semillon grapes are the major variety of White Wine Grape grown in the Gironde region of South West France. They are also grown with success in Chile, Argentine, California and Australia.

Semillon grapes ripen earlier in the season than most grapes and are less likely to be damaged by rain or frost. The wines produced from Semillon grapes are full flavored, rich and aromatic. Semillon grapes are often blended with other varieties, especially Sauvignon Blanc Grapes, to take advantage of the strengths that each variety has to offer. Whether they are used to make sweet or dry wines, Semillon grapes allow any the wine they blended with to age better.

Semillon vines are extremely vigorous with large, thick green leaves. They tend to grow in compact bunches that are medium sized and cylindrical in shape. Semillon grapes are thick skinned Wine Grapes which is very juicy and sweet.

We usually think of rot as a bad thing but, when Semillon grapes become over ripe, they are allowed to become affected by botrytis cinerea, which is also known as noble rot. These affected grapes are then used to make the unique wines of Sauternes.

Semillon grapes are used to produce a variety of different wine styles including Sauternes and Barsac, from Bordeaux. When blended with small quantities of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle the wine that is produced is viscous with a rich, fruity nose with a smooth, full bodied and long lasting flavor.

Like all Types of Wine Grapes, the climate in which Semillon grapes are grown also affects the characteristics of the wine that it is made from. This can be seen in the Semillon wines produced in Australia. Australia provides many different variations of Semillon wines, depending on the exact climate and soil conditions of the location where they are grown. In cooler climates the wine is dry and often citrus flavored, where as in warmer climates the wine will have more tropical fruit flavors.

The two best and most popular countries for growing Semillon grapes are Australia and France. (see Semillon Wine Recommendations)

Are you interested in growing your own grapes at home? If so, I can personally recommend this book by Danie Wium. I recently began growing my own grapes for use in winemaking and this book was an invaluable tool along the way.