Sémillon/Semillon Flashcards

Learn characteristics, winemaking/maturation, and important regions of Sémillon/Semillon.

1
Q

In what kind of climates does Sémillon/Semillon like to grow in?

A
  • Moderate
  • Warm
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2
Q

What is the spelling for Sémillon/Semillon in France?

A

Sémillon

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3
Q

What is the spelling for Sémillon/Semillon where English is spoken?

A

Semillon

Without the accent over the e (accent aigu).

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4
Q

What are the typical aromas/flavors of a young Sémillon/Semillon?

A
  • Green apple
  • Lemon/citrus
  • Grass
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5
Q

What is Sémillon/Semillon’s range of body and acidity?

A
  • Light bodied to full bodied
  • Medium acidity to high acidity
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6
Q

What is France’s most important region for Sémillon?

A

Bordeaux

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7
Q

What are the styles of Sémillon produced in Bordeaux?

A

Still wines, both dry and sweet

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8
Q

What is the grape used to blend with Sémillon in wines labeled Bordeaux AOC?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

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9
Q

Where is Sauternes AOC?

A

It is a sub-region within Bordeaux.

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10
Q

Select the correct answer.

Sauternes AOC wines are always:

a) dry, sparkling and not affected by Botrytis
b) sweet, still, and always affected by Botrytis

A

Sweet, still, always affected by Botrytis

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11
Q

What is the most important white grape grown in Sauternes AOC?

A

Sémillon

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12
Q

Botrytis/noble rot greatly affects which white grape varietal in Sauternes AOC: Sémillon or Sauvignon Blanc?

A

Sémillon

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13
Q

What is the typical flavor profile of Sauternes AOC?

A
  • Apricots/stone fruits (concentrated/extra-ripe/dried)
  • Vanilla
  • Crème Brûlée
  • Caramel, honeycomb (on aged Sauternes)
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14
Q

Where in the English-speaking world is Semillon heavily planted?

A

Australia, especially in the Hunter Valley and Barossa Valley.

Hunter Valley region is roughly 3 hours’ drive north/northwest of Sydney.

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15
Q

Describe the style of Semillon that’s typical for the Hunter Valley.

A
  • Dry
  • Light bodied
  • Low alcohol
  • Neutral flavors in its youth
  • Honeyed and nutty flavors when it is aged
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16
Q

Are Hunter Valley Semillons typically made in inert vessels or in new oak?

A

inert vessels

In the past these wines used to see more oak but generally the style has changed.

17
Q

Besides Hunter Valley, what is one other appellation in Australia known for its Semillon?

A

Barossa Valley

18
Q

What’s the typical style of Barossa Valley Semillon?

A

There isn’t a typical style; many styles are made

Barossa Valley Semillons can be light-bodied and unoaked (like Hunter Valley Semillons) or they can be full-bodied and matured in oak.