We have avoided repetitions of any sort in the matter on Cheese Wine . However, if you do come across any repetitions, do bear with us.
Semillon Grapes, The Unsung Hero In Wine
Semillon is one of the world?s leading varieties of grapes, even though it seems to always be a second tiered grape because its is usually blended with other varieties, rather than marketed on it?s own. It's extremely difficult to come up with a list of defining tastes and aromas that are characteristic of this grape, nonetheless, Semillon is still worth a second look and hopefully this extract will shed some light on this unappreciated fruit.
Semillon originally made itself at home in France, particularly the Bordeaux region where holds the title of being the majority white grape grown. Often blended with other wines, Semillon can be found in classic Bordeaux whites, as well as the sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac. It is a rather hearty wine and easy to cultivate with consistent production of between six to eight tons per acre. It is fairly resistant to most diseases, with the exception of the fungal infection, Botrytis cinarea, also known as ?noble rot.? This is due to Semillon grapes having tightly packed bunches and relatively thin skin. If this rot attacks ripe grapes, it causes them to shrivel, and these moldy looking grapes yield small quantities of extremely concentrated juice that is then used in making mouth-watering sweet white wines of great complexity and longevity. Semillon is the key component in making these wines. In fact, Semillon grapes make up 80% of the blend in Ch?teau d'Yquem, the most expensive and famous dessert wine in the world.
While Semillon is the majority white variety in Bordeaux, Graves, and Sauternes, more grows in Chile than anywhere else on Earth. Early in the development of Australia, Semillon (often incorrectly labeled as Riesling) dominated as the major white variety, although the vineyards are mostly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc today. The Hunter Valley in Australia, however, is still known for producing this grape in numbers and was one of the pioneers in the country in cultivating it. A unique minerally, lemony style is produced, which is crisp and lean when young and is made without the influence of oak or malolactic fermentation. However, the wine transformations with age, evolving into a complex, nutty, honeyed wine with great complexity and depth. Hunter Semillon is one of the few Australian white wine styles that ages gracefully over extended periods.
While it can be said that wines that are dominated by Semillon lack youthful aroma, they tend to have a fairly full body and be low in acidity. It is because of this that Semillon makes a wonderful ?second? grape in blending of wines producing some wonderful flavors. Semillon even works well when blended with the well-known loner, Chardonnay, giving richness and weight without sacrificing the aromatic delicacy.
Even though this wine may be seen as a second-class wine to many, it is hard to understand why when it is so versatile. The ability to create some of the highest quality dessert wines as well as its ability to be combined and compliment wines such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc prove that this is more than some ordinary grape. Semillon is the unsung hero of many bottles of wine, and now it?s time for this underestimated grape to shine.
About the Author:
Ken Finnigan is the CEO of Finest Wine Racks a website specializing in quality decorative wine racks and durable wine storage systems.
Cheese Wine and More
Gifts For Wine Lovers
If you are looking for the perfect gift you can give wine lovers, here are some gift suggestions.
The terra cotta wine cooler is perfect for enjoyin...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
Recommended Cheese Wine Items
Stem Shine Crystal Dishwashing Powder (4 Lb)
You'll never have to worry about streaks or off odors on your fine glassware again. At last an innovative product that will revolutionize the way you clean your glasses. New and exclusive Stem Shine represents state-of-the-art technology for glass cleaning. Stem Shine doesn't just clean your glassware it purifies it. Its cleaning agents go into the pores of fine crystal or other glassware and remove every trace of soil and contaminants. Stem Shine then evaporates quickly preventing streaks and completely removing odors that could compete with your fine wine's bouquet. Available for both dishwasher and hand washing use. 4 lb carton for dishwashers.Price: 24.95 USD
Cheese Wine in the news
The Perfect Wine Cellar Equipment
Congratulations on your move from wine lover to wine connoisseur. If you are planning to buy a wine cellar this guide will give you some information on buying the perfect wine cellar equipment.
Wine Bar
Wine Chiller
Labels: Wine Price
