Botrytis Semillon

When I think of Semillon, I think of France's Bordeaux region and ultimately of Sauvignon Blanc. Although Sauv Blanc is not a sweet wine, it is one of the grapes used in a classic white wine blend from a classic white wine blend region: White Bordeaux. But what I really think of is Botrytis Semillons, probably the most underrated sweet white wine out there. 

Rich in flavor and very intense with a restrained sweetness on the finish so it definitely isn't cloying and has a refreshing end. Due to its intensity, it's definitely not something that I would gulp down hastily, but it rather needs to be sipped and savored.  It can be a very sweet and luscious wine with strong honeyed botrytis influence, which is one of its appeals.  A complex wine with a long, clean and beautifully balanced finish, I love Botrytis Semillons.

The thing about these wines is that you can buy one and open it right away or wait six months down the road to open it. Or, you can wait even longer before popping the cork because these wines can take some aging and will only improve over a long time in the bottle if properly stored.

When purchasing a good Botrytis Semillon, look for one with an orange-yellow color or one with a slightly dull yellow color (that is a result of Botrytised fruit than anything else). These are some sweet wine essentials.  On the nose it is classically honeyed, with marmalade, cumquat and lemon curd, matched with some residual volatility. The palate is round, lemon limey and very full, with creamy, candied orange fruit. Nicely integrated oak is in the background.