Sexy Semillon: Food and Wine Pairings

Friday, 1 May, 2015
Shante Hutton
Semillon is such a big wine in France whereas in SA, it often gets neglected. It tends to be found hiding out with Sauvignon Blanc but there are a few wineries that do a straight-up version that will blow your mind.

What's so amazing about this grape variety is its versatility; sometimes being rich and creamy and other times showing a flavour profile similar to Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris. As a blending component in Sauv B, it adds a fuller mouthfeel but on its own, when it has developed lanolin-like richness, its buttery notes will send you to heaven.

I love it and think it is super-underrated. Be warned though, it's not a cheap wine but it is worth it.

You'll love that this wine ages incredibly well and that in the younger styles it offers citrus, peach and freshness. So for those who aren't fond of the vanilla, biscotti essences in a wine, a young Semillon will display herbaceous qualities similar to that of a Sauvignon Blanc. If you're into big wines, the older styles are rounded and go well with ultra creamy, luxurious dishes that might make a seasoned chef balk. But even those Chardonnay haters will, I believe, find something to love with Semillon because even the wooded ones offer a freshness that is sometimes missing in other wooded, creamy white wines.

If you want to pair this wine (and all wine for that matter), think of the equation weight = weight and match the weight of your wine with the dish you wish to pair e.g. creamy semillon with a creamy dish.

This is honestly a wine that bends over backwards to meet your needs.

If I was going to be crude, I would say it’s so good that one could get a Semi...on - *chuckles under breath*

Tasteless jokes aside, here are 5 recipes to tantalise the tastebuds and get you in the kitchen:

Sea Scallops, Balsamic, Orange & Fennel
This is a wee bit fancy but Semillon deserves it - she is a lady afterall. The fennel and citrus hints work really well with the aromatics of Semillon.

See the recipe here 

What to drink: Lighter styles such as Fairview's Oom Pagel 2010 will offer you lime, a bit of green herbs and a fresh finish.

 

Satay Chicken Salad 

Creamy deliciousness that is partially healthy because of the addition of salad (don't say I never think of you dieters) ...for all non dieters, you can eat rice...and if you're doing that arbitrary ritual of Banting, grab yourself a cauliflower and pretend you're happy.

See recipe here 

What to drink: This suits a richer, creamier style Semillon and one of my favourites is the Fleur du Cap unfiltered 2012

 

Potato and Shallot Frittata

Easy-peasy dinner for those days when all you want is wine but you know you need fill up the ol' stomach. Shallots have a lovely sweetness to them which will grab at the flavours in a Semillon. Frittatas are also great for taking on picnics because you can eat them cold...romantic date anyone? 

See recipe here

What to drink: The Steenberg 2012 Semillon is a delight to drink on its own or with a dish that won't overpower it

 

Mango soufflé

Semillon can often exhibit mango-like flavours as well as fig and honey but if you find a more fruitier (think tropical) version, this light fluffy dessert with the addition of mango will be bang-on.

See the recipe here

What to drink: A semillon with honey tones which offers lemony notes and a nutty finish is a real winner. Try the Deetlefs Familie White 2010

 

Maple bacon and apple cupcakes

How freakin' awesome does that sound...BACON. Need I say more? I know that it sounds like a very "Fall" recipe, but everyone loves cupcakes and the saltiness of bacon with the acidity of the apples and sweetness of the maple syrup (you can use golden syrup too) is just a perfect match.

 See recipe here

What to drink: Choose a fuller Semillon such as the Stellenzicht Reserve 2009. The beauty of Semillon being that it has that citrus undertone to cut through too much sweetness.