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Australian Semillon
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Buying Guide: Australian Semillon
Although Chardonnay has a comfortable lead in terms of acreage, a strong case can be made that Semillon is Australia's greatest white wine variety. None would argue however, against the claim that Australia is Semillon’s second most famous home after Bordeaux (dry white Bordeaux as well as sweet Sauternes and Barsac are traditionally made by blending Semillon with Sauvignon Blanc). But it does lead a double life—even in this place which it finds so hospitable. When grown in good but not great vineyard sites, it turns into simple wines usually used in low or moderately priced blends. But when grown in top vineyards in South Australia, the Hunter Valley, and Western Australia, Semillon somehow blossoms into its full potential, becoming, at about three years after release, a remarkably creamy, almost lanolin-like, dry white wine, with savory, toasty flavors evoking the taste of honey. The essential caveat here is this: they can be uninspiringly neutral in their youth, so it is imperative that they be drunk at the right time. Most examples of Australian Semillon which are picked early, unwooded and bone dry, have minerally, lemon zest flavors in their youth, but are usually disappointing. At about five to seven years of age, they begin to mellow and display wonderful toasty, honeyed, almost custardy flavors. They still hold on to that youthful zing, while becoming much gentler and far more complex. A good place to start in this category would be with Tyrrell's, McWilliam's and Brokenwood. As a single varietal wine, Semillon can be excellent. But blended with other French varietals that do well in Australia, most notably Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, it makes wines of an altogether different class. Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blends, especially from Margaret River, are incredibly popular as quaffing wines across the country. And aided by Botrytis Cinerea they compose wonderful sweet wines such as one would find in Sauternes. Regional variances do exist, and one may be surprised to experience the difference between, say, a vibrant, juicy, oaky Semillon Barossa wine or Clare Valley wine, and an herbaceous, grassy version from the Margaret River. Different enough to be considered unique from any other expression of the variety elsewhere in the world, The Hunter Valley Semillon is also a classic. It is widely regarded as one of Australia's great wine styles. .
see also: Australian Shiraz, Riesling, Dessert Wines, Chardonnay
90+ Australian Semillon
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10$ and Under
11$-20$
De Bortoli Deen De Bortoli Vat 5 Botrytis Sémillon South Eastern Australia $15
21$+
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Grapes: 100% Semillon
