Wine Glossary
Definition: Sémillon
[say-mee-YOHN] White-wine grape that is planted around the world-Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, South Africa, and the United States and, in most cases, turns out neutral-flavored, mediocre wines. By itself, Sémillon generally produces wines that are not well-rounded. Combine Sémillon with Sauvignon Blanc however, and the resulting wines can be quite extraordinary. Sémillon marries well with oak and tends to produce high-alcohol low-acidity wines that have good extract and texture but pale aroma. Sauvignon Blanc adds the missing acidity and aroma, while Sémillon tempers Sauvignon Blanc's tendency toward grassiness. Blending the two grapes creates a richer, more complex wine than either can create alone. Indicative of this style are the white wines from Bordeaux which often use from 50 to 80 percent Sémillon in the blend producing dry, marvelously complex wines with great aging ability. Bordeaux also produces the world-famous sweet wines from Sauternes which capitalize on Sémillon's susceptibility to botrytis cinerea a mold that shrivels the grapes, intensifying the levels of sugar and acids. The resulting wines are rich, honeyed concentrated, and expensive.
Source: Answers.com; Wine Lover's Companion - R & S Herbst
