All About Semillon
The Hunter Valley’s Signature White Wine
Semillon is one of the world’s most distinctive white wine varietals, and nowhere is it more celebrated than right here in the Hunter Valley. Our region has earned a global reputation for producing some of the finest examples of Semillon, with a unique ability to transform from a crisp, citrus-driven young wine into a complex, honeyed masterpiece with age. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Semillon, from its origins to its ideal food pairings, and delve into why Hunter Valley Semillon is so highly regarded.
What is Semillon?
Semillon is a white grape variety that originated in France and is primarily grown in Bordeaux, where it plays a key role in both dry and sweet wines. However, it has found a second home in Australia, particularly in the Hunter Valley, where it has become the region’s flagship white wine. Unlike many other white wines, Semillon has an incredible aging potential, developing more complexity and richness over time.
Hunter Valley Semillon is often made without oak, relying instead on the quality of the fruit and the influence of bottle aging to develop its signature character. Young Semillon is bright and fresh, while aged Semillon takes on deep golden hues with toasty, honeyed, and nutty characteristics. The transformation is so remarkable that legendary wine writer Jancis Robinson MW has noted "Hunter Valley Semillon is Australia’s unique gift to the wine world.”
What Does Semillon Taste Like?
The taste of Semillon evolves dramatically over time, making it one of the most exciting wines to explore. When young, Hunter Valley Semillon is known for its:
- Crisp acidity
- Fresh citrus flavours (lime, lemon, grapefruit)
- Subtle green apple and lemongrass notes
- Light body with a clean, refreshing finish
As the wine ages, it undergoes an extraordinary transformation. Aged Semillon is renowned for developing:
- Rich honey and toasted brioche aromas
- Nutty and buttered toast characteristics
- Beeswax and marmalade flavours
- A fuller, more rounded mouthfeel
The colour of Hunter Valley Semillon at different points through the aging process is a very good indicator of the wine's age and flavour profile. Younger Semillon tends to pale straw or almost water-white in colour due to minimal skin contact and early harvesting. Aged Semillon develops deep golden hues, sometimes approaching amber.
Australia’s most famous wine critic, James Halliday has praised Hunter Semillon for its "unparalleled capacity to age gracefully, developing richness and complexity that few other white wines can match."
Why is the Hunter Valley so famous for Semillon?
“Hunter Valley Semillon is Australia’s greatest white wine” Matt Kramer – Wine Spectator
Semillon has been grown in the Hunter Valley since the early 19th century, making it one of Australia’s most historic wine styles. The first plantings are believed to have been introduced by James Busby —often called the "father of Australian wine"—who brought cuttings from Europe in 1832.
By the mid-to-late 1800s, Semillon had firmly established itself in the Hunter, originally known as "Hunter River Riesling" due to its crisp and fresh characteristics. Over time, winemakers recognised its incredible aging potential, and it became one of the region’s most celebrated wines.
The Hunter Valley’s distinct climate and terroir play a crucial role in shaping the style of Semillon produced here. Some key factors that make it so special include:
- Warm Days, Cool Nights: The warm, sunny days allow the grapes to ripen, while cool evenings help preserve the wine’s natural acidity, giving it a crisp and refreshing profile.
- Early Harvesting: Hunter Valley winemakers often pick Semillon early, at lower sugar levels, to retain its bright acidity and fresh citrus character.
- Minimal Winemaking Intervention: Most Hunter Semillon is made without oak, allowing the purity of the fruit to shine. Many winemakers use stainless steel fermentation to emphasise its bright and clean flavours.
- Extraordinary Aging Potential: Unlike most white wines, Hunter Valley Semillon is built to last, often improving for decades.
Other than Scarborough Wine Co, you’ll find some exceptional semillon being made by Tyrrell’s, Brokenwood, First Creek, De Iuliis and Thomas Wines.
Soil Types and Influence on Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon thrives in different soil types, which impact the wine’s style:
Sandy Alluvial Soils (Lower Hunter)
Found near the Hunter River, these free-draining soils contribute to lighter, more delicate Semillons with crisp acidity and vibrant citrus notes. Wines from these soils tend to be lean and fresh when young and develop more finesse as they age.
Volcanic Red Clay (Upper Hunter & some pockets of the Valley)
These richer soils offer more structure and body to Semillon. Wines from clay soils may have a slightly fuller texture and more pronounced fruit flavors in youth, while still aging gracefully into the classic toasty, honeyed style.
Loamy and Silty Soils
Often found in transitional areas between sand and clay, these soils contribute to well-balanced Semillon with both acidity and depth. Wines from these sites often develop into some of the most complex aged Semillons.
How to Serve and Enjoy Semillon
To fully appreciate Semillon’s delicate and evolving character, it’s important to serve it correctly:
- Temperature: Young Semillon is best served chilled (8-10°C), while aged Semillon can be served slightly warmer (10-12°C) to highlight its richer flavors.
- Glassware: A standard white wine glass is ideal for young Semillon, but a slightly larger glass can enhance the aromatics of an aged bottle.
- Aging Considerations: If you have the patience, cellaring Semillon for 5-10 years (or longer) will reveal its remarkable transformation. Proper storage conditions—consistent temperature, minimal light, and horizontal positioning—are key to aging success.
Food Pairing with Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon is one of the most versatile food wines, pairing beautifully with a range of dishes. Here’s how to match it with food at different stages of its life:
Young Semillon: The crisp acidity and citrus-driven profile make it a perfect match for:
- Fresh seafood (oysters, prawns, scallops)
- Sushi and kingfish sashimi
- Scallops with hazelnut and coriander butter
- Light salads with citrus dressings
- Goat cheese or fresh feta
Aged Semillon: The richer, more complex notes of aged Semillon pair well with:
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Lobster with butter sauce
- Mushroom risotto
- Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert
- Pavlova with limoncello cream and seasonal fruit - a particularly good match for our Late Harvest Semillon.
The Scarborough Semillon Collection
Whilst at Scarborough Wine Co. we’re often known for our Chardonnay, we’re equally passionate about semillon and proud to produce wines that showcase its incredible range and aging potential. Our Cottage Vineyard is where we source our most premium Semillon from, a site that’s got a long history of making exceptional wine.
Our Semillon lineup includes:
Scarborough Green Label Semillon – A vibrant, citrus-driven Semillon that captures the fresh and zesty side of the varietal.
'The Obsessive' Semillon - A Hunter Semillon made in a traditional style from the fine, sandy soils of our Cottage Vineyard. This version of Semillon will age gracefully.
BUY 'THE OBSESSIVE' SEMILLON NOW
For those looking for a slightly sweeter option, there’s also two wines to try:
Offshoot Off-Dry Semillon - This version of Semillon offers up a touch of sweetness on the palate but is beautifully balanced with the crisp lemon acidity naturally found in this variety.
Late Harvest Semillon - A luscious style of dessert wine that can be enjoyed as an aperitif with meats and pates as well as with desserts.
Semillon is truly one of the great white wines of the world, and the Hunter Valley has cemented its status as the ultimate region for this unique varietal. Whether you enjoy it young and zesty or aged and complex, Hunter Valley Semillon offers an unparalleled journey for the palate.
If you haven’t explored Semillon yet, now is the perfect time to discover why it has captivated wine lovers for generations. Cheers to this extraordinary drop!