2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Semion / Sémillon / is a white grape variety that is widely used in winemaking. It is highly valued by French growers, but is also widespread in many parts of the world. These vines are also grown in Argentina, Chile, South Africa, the United States (specifically California), Australia, Uruguay, Mexico, Italy, Hungary, Slovakia, New Zealand, Romania, Serbia, Vietnam, Brazil and others. The variety is also known by other names, including greengrape, madeira, serial, boal, sauterne, hunter vali Riesling, barnavarta pinot.
Like any variety semion has its own peculiarities. Its branches are of different sizes. Some of them are creeping and others are protruding. It has a three-part or five-part rounded leaf, which is slightly hairy at the bottom. The clusters are compact. They are characterized by medium size and cone shape. The nipples are rather small, rounded. The meat is juicy, covered with a zipper. The fruit of the semillon produces dry, white wines with a characteristic aroma of oak, honey, melon and other fruits. The grapes are included in white table wines in the Bordeaux region. Combines with varieties such as Muscadel and Sauvignon Blanc.
Semion grows best on nutrient-rich soils. Prefers high temperatures. If grown under favorable conditions, strong vine growth is observed. Otherwise, growth is weakened. Otherwise, the variety belongs to the group of late ripening vines. Semillon is a variety that is not particularly resistant to disease. But growers believe that it is not difficult to grow.
However, it remains sensitive to cold climates. It is also affected by mold and oidium. It is also poorly resistant to gray rot. It is especially sensitive to the activity of the noble mold / Botrytis Cinerea /. The affected products include the popular dessert wines Sauternes and Barsak. Another negative feature of the variety is that sometimes the fruit is affected by heavy rains.
History of the semion
Although it is accepted that semion comes from Bordeaux, France, some experts are trying to challenge this claim. According to them, it is difficult to determine exactly how the variety originated. However, it is pointed out that in the early nineteenth century the semillon arrived in Australia, and by the 1920s it had occupied a large percentage of the vineyards in South Africa. Some connoisseurs believe that the immature semion has a scent of sauvignon blanc. This suggests that the two varieties are related, but so far there is no scientific evidence for this.
To date, pure varietal semillon and its blends with sauvignon blanc are the most preferred grape drinks by wine lovers in Australia. Recently, semillon has been popularized in Chile. It is also present in Argentina, but mainly in blends. A small number of plantations of this variety are also grown in New Zealand. Today, the semillon has reached a number of countries in Europe, including Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria.
Characteristics of semillon
As already mentioned, the guilt of semion are dry and white. They have a characteristic aroma of oak and grain. There are also hints of honey and fruits such as fig, pear, melon, peach, apricot, quince.
Grape elixirs made from semillon are characterized by a rich bouquet, depth, density and smoothness of lanolin, as well as refreshing citric acidity. They are low in alcohol. As young people, they are rather rude, but they have the potential for aging. They can mature for decades, and this could only create a clear profile for them.
Serving semillon
These wines are served chilled to a temperature of 10-12 degrees. When serving, you can use a universal glass of white wine. It is suitable for both younger and older wines. This cup is elegant and slender. It has a chair of medium height. At the bottom it is rounded and slightly expanding, and at the top it narrows smoothly. Thanks to its shape, it allows you to feel both sour and sweet notes of wine. When pouring wine, do not try to fill the glasses to the brim. It is enough to cover 2/3 or even only half of the dish.
Wines from semion can be served with a variety of foods. However, it is believed that they like dishes with a pronounced spicy taste. This wine is consumed by cheese lovers. Here the most suitable appetizer is blue cheese. Of course, you can bet on other aromatic variations. Gourmets believe that wine can be combined with seafood, and in particular with mussels. Tempting offerings include Stewed mussels with carrots and garlic, Breaded fried mussels and Mussels with butter.
The liver is also a very appetizing supplement, revealing the charm of semion. Experiment with Stewed Liver, Liver Skewers, Veal with Aromatic Sauce or Liver with Mushrooms. If you stick to lighter foods, then choose a fresh salad with dressing or white meat with soft spices. Try pairing an alcoholic beverage with Tuna Salad, Anchovies and Mayonnaise, Tuna and Spinach Salad or Greek Squid Salad.
