Sémillon – South Africa's Rediscovered Classic

Sémillon is South Africa's rediscovered classic: in the early 19th century the grape covered over 90 percent of the Cape's vineyards, today it is only around one percent – and it is precisely the old vines that deliver white wines with depth, texture and ageing potential.

From Boekenhoutskloof's vines planted in 1902 to Vergelegen's Bordeaux-style blend: here you can buy Sémillon wine that is especially suited to lovers of creamy, structured white wines – for example with oysters, grilled fish or poultry.

Find out more about Sémillon

Sémillon at the Cape: Once Almost Every Vine, Now a Rarity

Sémillon is one of the oldest grape varieties in South Africa. In the 17th century it was so widespread that it was simply called the "green grape" (in Afrikaans "Groendruif") [2]. In the early 19th century, according to Jancis Robinson, it covered more than 90 percent of all vines at the Cape [1]. Wines of South Africa put its share at that time at 93 percent [3]. By the 1980s it had fallen to less than one percent of the vineyard area [3]. Today it stands at around one percent [2]. Since the late 1980s the variety has been enjoying a renaissance, initially mainly in white blends [3].

Old Vines, Great Depth

Because Sémillon has never been wildly fashionable, nor ever fallen entirely out of favour, its vines at the Cape are on average far older than those of other varieties [1]. You can taste it in the wines. In Franschhoek, the Sémillon from Boekenhoutskloof comes from a vineyard planted in 1902, one of the oldest in the region. Since 2017, fruit from La Colline (planted in 1936) has been added [4]. The wines show texture, honey, wax and lanolin alongside citrus and minerality, and are made for long, graceful ageing [4].

Bordeaux Style at the Cape: Sémillon in Blends

As a blending partner, Sémillon has become indispensable. The Cape's first serious, age-worthy Sémillon-Sauvignon blend was released in 1987 by Fairview with its Charles Gerard Reserve [3]. In 2001 Vergelegen followed with its GVB [3]. Winemakers value Sémillon for the weight and richness that counter the austerity of Sauvignon Blanc, and for its ageing potential thanks to a low pH and relatively low acidity [3]. One feature is unique to South Africa: the red mutation Sémillon Gris, of which there are only a few bottlings [5].

Aromas and Style

Young wines smell of citrus fruits such as lemon and grapefruit, stone fruits such as apricot and peach, and of chamomile and linden blossom. With age, beeswax, honey and roasted nuts emerge. Styles range from fresh coastal wines to complex, mature interpretations from Constantia and Franschhoek. According to Jancis Robinson, the best South African examples combine intensity with finesse, fine texture and herbal tension [1].

Food Pairing

Oysters, scallops and grilled fish go well with fresh styles. Mature, creamy Sémillons pair with poultry in a light sauce, veal, creamy cheeses and Asian cuisine.

Buy Sémillon From South Africa From Us

In our range you will find Sémillon as an icon from Boekenhoutskloof, as part of Bordeaux-style blends such as at Vergelegen, and from further estates such as Rickety Bridge and Groot Constantia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sémillon From South Africa

Why is Sémillon considered a rediscovered classic at the Cape?

In the early 19th century the grape made up over 90 percent of the Cape's vines; by the 1980s it was under one percent. Since then, old vineyards and Bordeaux-style blends have driven a renaissance.

What does South African Sémillon taste like?

Young, it tastes of citrus, stone fruit and chamomile; with age, of honey, beeswax and roasted nuts – with a creamy texture and mineral freshness.

How old are the vines behind Boekenhoutskloof's Sémillon?

The main vineyard was planted in 1902. Since 2017, fruit from La Colline (planted in 1936) has complemented the wine.

What role does Sémillon play in white blends?

It brings weight and richness and improves ageing potential. Fairview's Charles Gerard Reserve was the pioneer in 1987, followed by Vergelegen's GVB in 2001.

How long can Sémillon be cellared?

Good examples age gracefully and gain honey, wax and nut notes over the years. This applies especially to wines from old vines.

What is Sémillon Gris?

A red mutation of the variety that exists only in South Africa. Only a few bottlings are produced.

Which foods pair well with Sémillon?

Oysters, scallops, grilled fish, poultry in a light sauce, veal and creamy cheese.

How does Sémillon differ from Sauvignon Blanc?

Sémillon is broader and creamier, Sauvignon Blanc tighter and more aromatic. That is why the two complement each other in blends.