About Semillon
Unique to Australia, Semillon showcases bright citrus when young, developing honeyed richness with age, best from Hunter Valley.
The Story of Semillon in Australia
Semillon is one of Australia's most distinctive and underappreciated white wines. Originally from Bordeaux, France, Semillon has flourished in Australia, particularly in the Hunter Valley, where it has gained a reputation for producing some of the world’s most age-worthy white wines.
Unlike its French counterpart, which is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc, Australian Semillon is typically made as a single-varietal wine. It is renowned for its ability to transform in the bottle, evolving from a zippy, citrus-driven young wine into a rich, complex beauty with honeyed, toasty depth over time.
Famous Regions for Australian Semillon
- Hunter Valley – The spiritual home of Australian Semillon, producing wines with bright citrus acidity that age into complex, toasty expressions.
- Barossa Valley – Produces fuller-bodied, more textured Semillon, often with subtle oak ageing.
- Margaret River – Typically blended with Sauvignon Blanc, resulting in fresh, vibrant wines with tropical notes.
- Eden Valley – Known for elegant, cool-climate Semillon with great freshness and structure.
What Does Semillon Taste Like?
Semillon is a wine of two personalities. When young, it bursts with citrus zest, green apple, and floral notes. With age, it transforms into a golden-hued wine with rich honey, toast, and nutty complexity.
Winemaking Styles & New Trends
Traditional Hunter Valley Semillon is unoaked, allowing its pure fruit expression and natural acidity to shine. Some winemakers experiment with oak maturation, creating fuller-bodied, richer styles similar to Bordeaux Blanc.
There’s also a rise in textured, skin-contact Semillon and pét-nat (naturally sparkling Semillon), appealing to lovers of natural wines.
Similar Wines to Try
- Riesling – Shares Semillon’s high acidity and ageing potential.
- Sauvignon Blanc – A fresher, more herbaceous alternative, often blended with Semillon.
- Chenin Blanc – Offers similar citrus vibrancy with the potential to age beautifully.
- Grüner Veltliner – A structured white with citrus, spice, and crisp acidity.
Recommended Australian Semillon Wines
Looking for a great Australian Semillon? These handpicked selections showcase the best of the variety:
- First Creek Semillon – A classic Hunter Valley expression, crisp and bright with ageing potential.
- Glover Semillon – Elegant and mineral-driven, with refreshing acidity and citrus notes.
Food Pairing with Semillon
Semillon’s acidity makes it a perfect match for seafood, fresh oysters, and zesty salads. Aged Semillon pairs beautifully with roast chicken, creamy pasta, and even mild curries.
Explore Australian Semillon
At Wine Simple, we stock a handpicked selection of incredible Australian Semillon wines. Whether you love a crisp, youthful style or a rich, aged expression, we’ve got a bottle for you.
Looking for the perfect Semillon? Browse our selection here.