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Semillon Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to SemillonÂ
The language of wine can sound complex and intimidating at first, but it doesn't have to be. In part, buying the perfect bottle of wine comes down to knowing what kind of grape was used to make the wine, which is often described in the name on the bottle. Semillon is an interesting white grape variety that produces wines that are increasingly popular around the world. Are you looking for an alternative to Chardonnay with some of the same qualities? Consider Semillon wines. Here's what you need to know.
About Semillon
Semillon is a versatile white grape that hails from France's famed Bordeaux wine region, typically known for its reds. Semillon grapes are grown and fermented in the Hunter Valley region of Australia. These grapes are also grown to a lesser extent in South Africa, Argentina, Chile, and one state—Washington—in the United States.Â
The interesting thing about Semillon wines is their range. The grapes are made into both oaked and unoaked single-variety wines. They are also commonly blended with other grapes such as Sauvignon, Muscadelle, and Chardonnay. They can even be used to produce dessert wines considered to be among the world's finest.Â
Single-variety Semillon wine is frequently compared to Chardonnay. Both produce a light-bodied, fruity taste, with wine drinkers commenting on its hints of lemon, lime, peach, and mango, according to Wine Folly. Other observers notice tastes of hay, honey, saffron, and ginger.
Wines similar to Semillon
Because Semillon grapes produce such a versatile set of wines, you can find many comparable alternatives, especially if you are someone who likes to experiment with different tastes to find the perfect pairing for dinner. Some of the options include:
- Chardonnay is made from a green rather than a golden grape. Chardonnays are now popular around the world and are and noted for flavors such as plum, apple, and pear.
- Pinot Gris, which is made with a grayish-blue grape, is popular with wine-makers in Italy. This grape produces wines evoking tastes of melon and mango.
- Sauvignon Blanc is made from another green grape also originating from the Bordeaux region of France. Sauvignon Blanc wines tend to have a bit more acid and produce taste descriptions that include grass and bell peppers.
- Riesling is the pride of German wine-making. Rieslings also contain more acidity and are lighter-bodied than Chardonnay and Semillon wines.
Food pairings with Semillon
Because of its versatility, Semillon is nicely paired with a range of different foods. It works exceptionally well with spicy food, such as Indian cuisine. It's also noted as a wine to drink along with sushi or other types of fish, such as trout, halibut, red catfish, and haddock or shellfish, like clams and mussels. You will enjoy this wine with a pasta salad, or when snacking on blue cheese or Foie Gras. Â A glass of Semillon also goes well with chicken, turkey, ham, and various vegetable dishes.Â
As a dessert wine, Semillon matches excellently with different types of tarts as well as cheesecakes, ice cream, and other fruit-based desserts. Most of the best-known Semillon dessert wines hail from the Sauternes region of France. This region is significant because of its unique regional characteristics. Most reviews of Semillon dessert wines credit the "noble rot," a fungus native to the region, for adding world-class sweetness to Semillon's dessert wine.
Semillon Near Me
Buy your favorite Semillon online with Instacart. Order Semillon from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about Semillon
Follow the main tenets of good wine storage when you have extra Semillon wines on hand. Pay attention to factors such as temperature, humidity, vibration, and light. The best temperature to store white wines is considered to be about 55 to 65 degrees, so be especially attentive to your choice of storage during the summer months. Find a spot where the humidity hovers around 50 percent, but otherwise, do not spend too much time trying to find the ideal humidity level. Try to avoid exposing your wines to excessive vibration and light, as you want to keep both to a minimum. A good storage place might be a basement.
Experts say that the finer Semillon wines from Sauternes or the Hunter Valley can keep for upwards of 10 years. Otherwise, their advice is to drink the wines when they are young.
Wine culture is a fascinating element of society. It only takes a little learning, and a willingness to experiment, to become conversant in wine. If you're looking to stock up but are running low on time, then turn to the Instacart app. Instacart shoppers can select the wines you want as well as other grocery and household items for you, saving you time and money. Put your favorite wines into your cart along with other grocery items. Instacart shoppers will do their best to get all items to your home the same day you place the order!