Sémillon/Semillon

Question 1

In what kind of climates does Sémillon/Semillon like to grow in?

Answer 1

• Moderate
• Warm

Question 2

What is the spelling for Sémillon/Semillon in France?

Answer 2

Sémillon

Question 3

What is the spelling for Sémillon/Semillon where English is spoken?

Answer 3

Semillon

Without the accent over the e (accent aigu).

Question 4

What are the typical aromas/flavors of a young Sémillon/Semillon?

Answer 4

• Green apple
• Lemon/citrus
• Grass

Question 5

What is Sémillon/Semillon’s range of body and acidity?

Answer 5

• Light bodied to full bodied
• Medium acidity to high acidity

Question 6

What is France’s most important region for Sémillon?

Answer 6

Bordeaux

Question 7

What are the styles of Sémillon produced in Bordeaux?

Answer 7

Still wines, both dry and sweet

Question 8

What is the grape used to blend with Sémillon in wines labeled Bordeaux AOC?

Answer 8

Sauvignon Blanc

Question 9

Where is Sauternes AOC?

Answer 9

It is a sub-region within Bordeaux.

Question 10

Are Sauternes AOC wines always dry, sparking and not affected by Botrytis or sweet, still, and always affected by Botrytis?

Answer 10

Sweet, still, always affected by Botrytis

Question 11

What is the most important white grape grown in Sauternes AOC?

Answer 11

Sémillon

Question 12

Botrytis/noble rot greatly affects which white grape varietal in Sauternes AOC: Sémillon or Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 12

Sémillon

Question 13

What is the typical flavor profile of Sauternes AOC?

Answer 13

• Apricots/stone fruits (concentrated/extra-ripe/dried)
  Vanilla
• Crème Brûlée
• Caramel, honeycomb (on aged Sauternes)

Question 14

Where in the English-speaking world is Semillon heavily planted?

Answer 14

Australia, especially in the Hunter Valley and Barossa Valley.

Hunter Valley region is roughly 3 hours’ drive north/northwest of Sydney.

Question 15

Describe the style of Semillon that’s typical for the Hunter Valley.

Answer 15

• Dry
• Light bodied
• Low alcohol
• Neutral flavors in its youth
• Honeyed and nutty flavors when it is aged

Question 16

Are Hunter Valley Semillons typically made in inert vessels or in new oak?

Answer 16

inert vessels

In the past these wines used to see more oak but generally the style has changed.

Question 17

Besides Hunter Valley, what is one other appellation in Australia known for its Semillon?

Answer 17

Barossa Valley

Question 18

What’s the typical style of Barossa Valley Semillon?

Answer 18

There isn’t a typical style; many styles are made

Barossa Valley Semillons can be light-bodied and unoaked (like Hunter Valley Semillons) or they can be full-bodied and matured in oak.