Get to know the grapes: Semillon

In the process of introducing grapes frequently used in making wine, we are now making our way to a grape commonly seen in France and Australia: Semillon!

Fun Fuel imports grapes from Champagne, Italy (Umbria) and Australia (Barossa). The grapes we have in the Australia portfolio, produced by Lindsay, are varietal wines, and based on the following grapes:

• Riesling

• Semillon

• Merlot

• Pinot Noir

• Cabernet Sauvignon

• Shiraz

We will review the characteristics of these grapes, which are part of the wines we import from Barossa, before moving on to Champagne and then Umbria. We have previously looked at Riesling, and are now moving on to Semillon. This grape is processed both as sweet and dry white wines, where the latter must be processed.

The Semillon Grape

Semillon is used to make distinctive wines in a style unique to Australia. It is relatively heavily planted, and classic to areas such as Huner and Barossa Valley. Here it is harvested early, at a low sugar levels and high acidic level. During the winemaking process, the contact with oxygen is kept to a minimum. The result is wines that are somewhat neutral when bottled, but develop extraordinary tones of honey and toast as they age. In the Barossa Valley, Semillon is traditionally made more powerful, full-bodied.

Semillon has a long and proud history in Barossa Valley, where you can find the oldest fields of this variety of grape.

Semillon is a lesser-known grape than for example Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, but it offers a unique experience through a round mouthfeel, and can be enjoyed both young and aged. The taste is often linked to fruit such as apricot, pear and apple, popularly accompanied with some herbs. It can often have a slightly waxy texture, where it can then be served somewhat cooler than lighter wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio.

Fun Fuel's Lindsay Wine Estate Semillon has the aroma of yellow fruit, spices and butter, some hint of barrel, and a taste of apricot, spices, butter, pear and brioche. Complex wine with good length. It has 9 months in French oak barrels. Vinmonopolet article number is 12841601.