Sémillon steps back into the spotlight
Why La Motte’s Sémillon 2025 is turning heads
In a country known for producing exceptional white wines it takes something truly special to stand out. Yet La Motte’s 2025 Sémillon has done exactly that, earning one of South Africa’s most prestigious wine accolades and putting this historic varietal back in the spotlight after winning the General Smuts Trophy for Champion Young Wine at the South African Young Wine Show.
A TROPHY WITH DEEP TRADITION
The South African Young Wine Show is the oldest wine competition in the Southern Hemisphere, with roots dating back to 1833. For generations it has celebrated excellence in winemaking by judging wines in their early stages, when the character of the vintage and the skill of the winemaker are most pronounced.
Winning the General Smuts Trophy means that a wine has been selected as the best young wine of the vintage across all categories, making it one of the most respected honours in the South African wine industry. For La Motte, this recognition reflects not only the quality of the wine, but also the estate’s long-standing commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
SÉMILLON’S COMEBACK IN SOUTH AFRICA
For much of South Africa’s wine history, Sémillon was one of the country’s most important white grape varieties. In the early days of Cape winemaking it was widely planted and played a significant role in shaping the style and identity of local white wines. Over time, however, newer and more commercially popular varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc began to dominate vineyard plantings, and Sémillon gradually slipped into the background.
Today across the Cape, a growing number of winemakers are rediscovering the remarkable potential of this historic grape. Sémillon’s natural richness, balanced acidity and ability to age gracefully make it a variety capable of producing wines of great elegance and complexity.
CRAFTED WITH PRECISION AT LA MOTTE
At La Motte, the revival of Sémillon is guided by a philosophy that balances heritage with thoughtful, modern winemaking. The grapes for this limited-release wine originate from a vineyard in the Elim ward of Cape Agulhas, one of the southernmost wine-growing regions in Africa.
Situated just a few kilometres from the ocean, the vineyard benefits from cooling maritime winds and soils that contribute to the wine’s distinctive freshness and minerality.
In the cellar, the winemaking team focused on preserving the purity and natural character of the fruit. The grapes were carefully handpicked and gently handled, with fermentation taking place in stainless steel before the wine matured on fine lees to build texture and complexity. The result is an elegant and expressive Sémillon with aromas of green fig, fresh ginger and delicate honeysuckle, leading into layers of citrus and passionfruit on the palate.
As wines like this continue to catch the attention of critics and wine lovers alike, Sémillon’s quiet revival in South Africa feels more and more inevitable. And with producers like La Motte putting so much care and precision into the variety, the future of this historic grape looks brighter than ever.