New World: Semillon & Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc
2019 Gold 2 Silver 2 Bronze 0 Commended 5
2018 Gold 1 Silver 3 Bronze 2 Commended 6
We don’t get huge numbers of Semillon and Semillon blends sent into the Sommelier Wine Awards, which is a shame, because somms are interested in it in the same way that old grannies like wrestling. They’re not sure they really understand it, but it’s good fun nonetheless.
Actually, that’s slightly disingenuous. Our tasters this year generally knew what they were looking for, and for the most part they found it – the challenge remains how you peddle it to a largely uncomprehending public. ‘In blends with Sauvignon’ and ‘with specific dishes’ seemed the general consensus.
Main observation from this year’s results? Our first ever ‘double Gold’ – something perhaps not unconnected to the fact that we had a half-decent number of entries from outside Australia for the first time. Could this be the start of the variety’s renaissance, we wonder?
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘It was an interesting range, with some lighter than others and different levels of oak influence. I was looking for the typicity of the grape. Some had that lovely oily, kerosene, waxy characteristic, which is something you’d like to see.’ Michael Fiducia, The Royal Automobile Club
‘Some of those at the higher prices weren’t the best, but the medium range wines were showing nicely. They had complexity and intensity, and were definitely wines you could pair with food. Between £10 and £15 you could justify those prices.’ Stefano Barbarino, Chez Bruce Restaurant
‘It’s lovely to see Semillon with this great range of styles. They’re making it very well, with some very clever styles coming out. They might be pricing it as the next big thing, to knock the crown off Sauvignon Blanc.’ Angela Reddin, team leader