Semillon Vineyard

Question 1

Semillon Bud/Ripen Key

Answer 1

12

Question 2

Semillon Budding

Answer 2

Early budding (prone to spring frost which can reduce yields)

Question 3

Semillon Ripening

Answer 3

Mid-Ripening (can avoid autumn rains allowing healthy, ripe fruit with less damage and dillution)

Question 4

Semillon Fertility/Yields

Answer 4

Yields can be high (low flavor concentration)
Yields vary depending on soil fertility (must be kept low for Botrytis wines, adding to cost)
Yields controlled by pruning to lower number of buds for higher quailty wines

Question 5

Semillon best soils

Answer 5

Gravel or calcareous clay

Question 6

Semillon Vigor/Canopy Management

Answer 6

Moderate vigor (may be pruned long or short)
Leafy canopies can cause shading and slow ripening (good or bad depending on climate)

Question 7

Semillon Aromas and Flavor compounds

Answer 7

Low intensity apple, lemon, grassy
Strong affinity to secondary vanilla and sweet spice from oak
Botrytis - honey and dried fruit
Tertiary - toast and honey
Range of quality levels and styles from inexpensive dry to premium sweet

Question 8

Semillon Skins

Answer 8

Thin skins (sorting required)

Question 9

Semillon Hazards

Answer 9

Botrytis (range of styles produced)
Mites
Leafhoppers

Question 10

Semillon Vine Peculiarities

Answer 10

Big berries
Yellow to gold berries when ripe
Bright green leaves