Viticultural Information
Semillon
Description
Species: Vitis vinifera Semillon is probably native to the Sauternes region of France, and it spread to other districts before the eighteenth century. It is grown throughout the world but its notoriety comes from the great white wines of Bordeaux. Semillon is typically blended with Sauvignon blanc to make both dry table wines and sweet dessert wines, including famous dessert wines from Sauternes. In California, Semillon is used in a similar fashion. It is a minor variety planted throughout the state. Semillon is a moderately vigorous variety with upright growth. It can be grown on a wide range of soil types. Its large clusters are prone to infection by Botrytis cinerea. Well-drained soils with moderate vigor potential are preferred. On high-vigor sites, dense canopies can lead to significant crop losses due to bunch rot. Semillon is often blended into dry Sauvignon blanc wines. Dessert wines are also produced, especially in years with considerable Botrytis bunch rot.
Links
Foundation Plant Services at UC Davis is the source of Foundation grapevine material for the nursery industry, and the staff can provide information about possible sources for obtaining this stock. The National Grape Registry (NGR) contains information about varieties of wine, juice, and table grapes, raisins, and grape rootstocks available in the United States. Growers, nurseries, winemakers and researchers can find background information and source contacts for those grape varieties in this single convenient location.
Publications
NGR Match
Sémillon
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