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Wines

Semillon

Wine style and varietal guide

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  • White
  • White • Dry
  • 10–13% ABV
  • Medium body
  • Dry sweetness
  • medium-high acidity

Is this for me?

Choose this if…

  • ✓You prefer dry, crisp wines without residual sweetness.
  • ✓You prefer smooth, approachable wines with soft tannins.

Skip if…

  • ✗You prefer sweeter or off-dry wines.
  • ✗You want a structured, grippy red wine.

At a Glance

10–13%ABV
DrySweetness
medium-highAcidity
LowTannin
MediumBody
10°CServe

Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →

On this page

What is Semillon?

A white wine that can range from dry to sweet, with high acidity and flavors of lemon, lime, and grass.

Taste profile

Dry sweetnessmedium-high acidityLow tanninsMedium bodyCitrusToastyFull BodiedHoney
Citrus(high)Toasty(low)Full Bodied(medium)Honey(medium)

Sensory profile

BodyLight – Full
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
TanninSoft – Grippy
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
  • Style: White
  • ABV range: 10–13%
  • Medium body
  • Dry sweetness

What do these dimensions mean?

Grape & region

Grape varieties
Semillon
Region(s)
Bordeaux, Hunter Valley
Country
France / Australia
Sweetness
Dry

Dietary

How Semillon fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).

  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-Free

About this drink

Sémillon is important in Bordeaux, Hunter Valley and sweet-wine traditions such as Sauternes. Its history matters because the grape can produce waxy dry whites, age-worthy regional styles and botrytized dessert wines.

How to compare

How to compare Semillon

Compare this wine by body, acidity, sweetness and finish. Similar grape or style names can feel very different once structure and food pairing change.

When to choose it

When to choose Semillon

Choose Semillon when its body, acidity, tannin and sweetness fit the dish. It has 4 structured pairing matches to help compare food options.

Skip if

Skip Semillon if...

Skip Semillon if its body, acidity or sweetness does not match the dish. Wine style choice works best when structure fits the food weight.

Frequently asked questions

What is Semillon?
A white wine that can range from dry to sweet, with high acidity and flavors of lemon, lime, and grass.
What does Semillon taste like?
Semillon is often described as Citrus, Toasty, Full Bodied, Honey. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
What foods pair with Semillon?
Semillon pairs well with Salads, Vegetarian Food, Grilled Fish, Seafood. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
When should I drink Semillon?
Semillon works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
What wines are similar to Semillon?
If you enjoy Semillon, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
Does Semillon improve with age?
Cellaring potential for Semillon depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.

Last updated

Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.