Semillion

A golden grape variety from Southwest France, tradtionally blended with Sauvignon Blanc, and the key ingredient in Sauternes, arguably the world's longest lived unfortified wine. Easy to cultivate, and almost as vigorous as Sauvignon Blanc with particularly deep green leaves, but flowers slightly later. Some interesting sweet wines produced in Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.

Budburst - Midseason , Harvest - Midseason

  Available for orders
Delivery 2013 Delivery 2014 Delivery 2015
Note: Delivery is for dormant vines only – for potted vine options, please call 0800 11 37 47.
* Limited availability.
Riversun Certified Clone/Selection    
315 yes yes yes
BVRC 14 yes yes yes
Old Vineyard Selection limited limited limited
UCD 2 yes yes yes
UCD 6 limited limited limited
UCD 7 limited limited limited
Semillion - 315 photo

Semillion 315

  • Riversun Premium Plus
  • Imported by the NZGVIG from France (Bordeaux). Riversun source from the old National Collection at Blands

Virus Status

2010: Tested positive for Rupestris Stem Pitting Virus

Viticulture

Very productive tight bunches with big berries.

Disease tolerance

Allan Clarke suggests a compact bunch that appears more prone to rot than either UCD 2 or BVRC 14.

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Semillion - BVRC 14 photo

Semillion BVRC 14

  • Riversun Premium Plus
  • Imported by the NZGVIG from the Barossa Valley Vine Improvement Group, Australia,1985. Riversun source from the old National Collection at Blands TK06501.

Viticulture

Large loose bunches wtih big berries. More compact bunch than UCD 2 and therefore more susceptible to rot, earlier ripening than UCD 2.

Flavour profile

Clean and good flavour intensity.

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Semillion - Old Vineyard Selection photo

Semillion Old Vineyard Selection

  • Riversun Premium Plus
  • SC00942. Riversun source from the old National Collection at Blands

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Semillion - UCD 2 photo

Semillion UCD 2

  • Riversun Premium Plus
  • TK05200. Riversun source from the old National Collection at Blands

Virus Status

2010: Tested positive for Rupestris Stem Pitting Virus

Viticulture

Very productive large, very loose clusters, variable ripening.

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Semillion UCD 6

  • Riversun Premium Plus
  • TK06646. Riversun source from the old National Collection at Blands

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Semillion UCD 7

  • Riversun Premium Plus
  • TK06647. Riversun source from the old National Collection at Blands

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