Semillon

Sémillon is a dry white with a waxy texture and flavours of lemon, fig and green apple.

Its acidity runs lower than Sauvignon Blanc, which is why the two are so often blended together. Canadian plantings are small, split between Niagara and British Columbia. Some see oak, and those age better than most people expect.

This is a short page. Every bottle ships straight from the winery that made it.
Filter and sort (0)
Sort by
Clear all
View as
Clear all
1-7 of 7 products

The grape produces a pale, gold-tinted wine. Semillon wines are low in acidity, so they are often used in blends, most commonly with Sauvignon Blanc. Semillon is also used to produce white Bordeaux style wines. Expect flavours of apricot, peach, citrus and honey with a great blend of sugar. It produces a full-bodied wine, similar to Chardonnay, but its flavours can be compared to Pinot Gris.

Semillon can be vigorous to cultivate, but it produces high yields. Thanks to its thick skin it is resistant to rot and disease, and not particularly fussy about climate which makes it a good grape for the production of Icewine. Pair a drier Semillon with fish and a sweeter version with desserts.

In summary, Semillon has the following characteristics:

  • Thick-skinned grape that produces white wine
  • Origin is hard to determine, but dates back to the 19th century
  • Found throughout several winemaking regions across the world
  • Pale, gold-tinted wine
  • Low in acidity
  • Typically used in blends
  • Flavours of apricot, peach, citrus and honey
  • Vigorous to cultivate but produces high yields
  • Its thick skin makes it resistant to harsh growing conditions and rot
  • Used for Icewine

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What kind of wine is Semillon, and is it usually blended or single varietal?

A: Semillon is a white grape that makes pale, gold-tinted wines with a softer feel, since it tends to be lower in acidity. You will see it as a single varietal, but it is also commonly blended, especially with Sauvignon Blanc, to add body and texture.

Q: What does Semillon taste like, and is it more like Chardonnay or Pinot Gris?

A: Most Semillon wines lean into stone fruit and citrus, think apricot, peach, and lemon, with a gentle honeyed note as they get riper or age. The texture can feel fuller, a bit like Chardonnay, but the flavour profile often lands closer to Pinot Gris for many people.

Q: Is Semillon sweet or dry, and how can I tell before I buy?

A: Semillon can be dry, off-dry, or sweet, so the style matters more than the grape name. Dry versions taste more citrusy and waxy, while sweeter styles show more honey and ripe fruit; if the description mentions dessert, late harvest, or Icewine, expect noticeable sweetness.

Q: What foods pair best with Semillon wine?

A: Dry Semillon is great with flaky fish, roast chicken, or creamy pasta, it has enough body to handle richer sauces. Sweeter Semillon styles are a natural match for fruit-forward desserts, butter tarts, or blue cheese if you like that sweet-salty thing.

Q: Who is the Semillon collection best for, and what is a common misconception about it?

A: The Semillon collection suits folks who want a white that feels smooth and fuller-bodied, without the sharp, zippy edge some whites have. A common misconception is that Semillon is always sweet; plenty are dry, and the sweeter versions are just one (very tasty) side of the grape.