New World: Semillon & Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 

2016 Gold: 1 Silver: 1 Bronze: 1 Commended: 2
2015 Gold: 2 Silver: 1 Bronze: 3 Commended: 1

You might think that this would be a good place to go looking for interesting, cheap Aussie wines. In fact, as last year, the pricing here was pretty high (no medal winners within a sniff of the £10 mark), and the top awards were dominated by South Africa, not Australia.

Nobody saw that one coming – probably not even the Saffers.

What we might have predicted was the fairly small turnout. It’s an issue every year. As though merchants don’t see this as a commercially viable style. Well, a look at the feedback below shows just how much our tasters clearly loved Sem/Sauv, so maybe the time has come for both producers and their importers to back the style a bit more.

FROM THE TASTING TEAMS

‘With the slight bitterness on the finish, the acid structures, the fruit profiles… They could stand up to a lot of spice.’ Sunaina Sethi, JKS Restaurants

‘We all know where the world is with Sauvignon Blanc, but Semillon is an underestimated grape variety. Semillon and Sauvignon is a blend of grapes that I really love. It’s more interesting than straight Sauvignon Blanc; the flavour profile, the drinkability, the weight and richness, then the greenness of Sauvignon Blanc cuts through and cleans up the palate.’ Christopher Delalonde MS, Medlar Restaurant

‘[Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc] is quite a niche category, but they presented quite good value for money. Everyone knows Sauvignon Blanc so they’re easy to sell.’ Bart Michalewicz, The Arts Club

‘I’d love to see more of this style coming through, they’re great for people becoming jaded with Sauvignon Blanc, and much more food friendly. The New World can do it – so do it!’ Angela Reddin, team leader

“The mid-priced wines represented very good value. And they’re very strong food wines.” Sunaina Sethi, JKS Restaurants