Grape variety and grafted vine plant Semillon: all the secrets

Semillon

Variety widely cultivated in the Bordeaux area and particularly in the Sauterne region. Grown very little in Italy, limitedly to some Central-Southern regions.

CULTIVATED AREA IN ITALY

YEAR	1970	1982	1990	2000	2010
HECTARES	n.d.	14	13	8	30

CULTIVATED AREA IN FRANCE

YEAR	1968	1979	1988	1998	2008	2018
HECTARES	34.129	23.340	17.573	14.969	12.535	10.287

Bud-burst period: everage.
Ripening period: everage.
Yield: abundant, sometimes even excessive, it must be contained with pruning or with cluster thinning.

Ampelographic characters:

the variety has two different biotypes, one with a larger cluster and one with a smaller one. Expanded and fluffy bud, from green whitish to slightly carminate in colour, with slight violet shades at the edges. The leaf is medium-to-large in size, with slightly pinkish veins, and is three- or five-lobed. The petiolar sinus is open and U- or lyre-shaped. The bottom page has a flaky pubescence. The medium-sized conical cluster with a wing holds a medium-sized spheroidal berry with thick pruinose skin. The pulp has a special flavour.

Cultural aptitude:

variety of good vigour, with a semi-upright growth habit. It prefers temperate environments and well drained soils, with the presence of skeleton or clay-limestone.

Training system and pruning:

susceptible to botrytis, mites and grape leafhoppers. Little susceptible to powdery mildew.

Susceptibility to diseases and adverse conditions:

susceptible to botrytis, mites and grape leafhoppers. Little susceptible to powdery mildew.

Enological potential:

it produces white wines of great quality, greasy, with medium acidity, suitable for fermentation in barrique and aging. It is often blended with Sauvignon or with other wines to which it lends aroma, structure and longevity. It can also be used to produce excellent liqueur wines.