Sémillon

Sémillon is an under-rated variety commonly blended with Sauvignon Blanc in France’s Bordeaux region to produce both their dry whites and their world-beating sweet wines from Sauternes and Barsac. It is prone to rot which can hamper dry wine production but is great for sweet wine. Elsewhere, it is at its best in Australia’s Hunter Valley, where it can produce very characterful dry whites capable of extended ageing, as well as superb dessert wines. There is a distinct limey and lime blossom character to it. In the rest of Australia, Semillon is often blended with Chardonnay to produce their work-a-day white.