Semillon
Registration Information
In France, Semillon is officially listed in the “Catalogue of vine varieties” on the A list and classified. This variety is also listed in the catalogues of other Member States of the European Union: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
Cultivation and Vine Characteristics
Semillon has moderate vigor and is fairly productive. This variety can be pruned moderately long or short and reacts strongly to the agronomic fertility of the soil. Yields vary significantly depending on the terroir. Semillon appears well-suited to gravelly or clay-limestone soils. The bunches are medium-sized, and the berries are large.
Wine Characteristics
Semillon, under favorable growing conditions, with mature vines and managed yields, produces full-bodied, high-quality dry white wines with moderate to low acidity. These wines can be vinified in barrels and are ideal for aging. Semillon also produces exceptional white liqueur wines.
Susceptibility to Diseases and Pests
Semillon is sensitive to Botrytis, black rot (on young leaves), to mites and vine leafhoppers. On the other hand, it is not very susceptible to powdery mildew and Eutypa dieback.
Clonal selection in France
The seven certified Semillon clones carry the numbers 173, 299, 315, 380, 908, 909 and 910. Two conservatories of more than 130 clones in total have been planted in the Bordeaux wine-growing region in 1997 and 2011.
Available Clones
908
Clone Characteristics
- Fertility: Medium
- Production Level: Medium to high
- Cluster Weight: Medium
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: Medium
- Oenological Characteristics: Typical wines of the grape variety.
909
Clone Characteristics
- Fertility: Medium
- Production Level: Medium
- Cluster Weight: Medium
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: High
- Oenological Characteristics: Typical wines of the grape variety.
910
Clone Characteristics
- Fertility: Medium
- Production Level: Medium
- Cluster Weight: Medium
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: Medium to high
- Oenological Characteristics: Typical wines of the grape variety.
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