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.
