🍇 Viognier: The Aromatic Star of the Rhône

Origin:
Viognier comes from the Northern Rhône Valley of France, particularly the Condrieu and Château-Grillet appellations. Once nearly extinct in the mid-20th century, it's now planted around the world and prized for its lush aromatics.

✨ Key Characteristics

Appearance:
Viognier wines are typically deep golden in color, especially when the grapes are harvested at full ripeness. The grape has thick skins and matures late in the season.

Aromas and Flavors:
Viognier is known for its intense aromatics. Expect notes of apricot, peach, mango, orange blossom, honeysuckle, and sometimes ginger or exotic spice. On the palate, the wine is often dry but rich, with stone fruit flavors, soft acidity, and a creamy, oily texture.

Structure:
This is a full-bodied white with low to moderate acidity. It's soft and round in the mouth, and while most Viogniers are made to be enjoyed young, some higher-quality versions can age gracefully for a few years.

Where It's Grown

France:
Northern Rhône (especially Condrieu and Château-Grillet), as well as in southern regions like Languedoc and Provence where it's used in blends and varietal wines.

United States:
California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles, Sierra Foothills, and Mendocino all produce expressive Viogniers. The grape is also gaining ground in Virginia and Texas due to its heat tolerance.

Australia:
South Australia—especially producers like Yalumba—craft both varietal Viognier and Syrah-Viognier blends in the Côte-Rôtie tradition.

Other Regions:
Found in smaller amounts in Italy, Spain, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Greece, and New Zealand.

In the Cellar

Viognier can be made in a crisp, fresh style using stainless steel, or it can be fermented and aged in oak to enhance its weight and complexity. It’s sometimes co-fermented with Syrah (as in Côte-Rôtie) to boost aromatics and color.

Picking time is critical - too early, and the wine is neutral; too late, and it becomes heavy or flabby.

Food Pairings

Viognier pairs well with dishes that highlight its exotic, floral character:

• Spicy Southeast Asian cuisine (like Thai curries or Vietnamese lemongrass dishes)
• Roasted chicken or pork with fruit-based sauces
• Lobster, scallops, or crab with butter or citrus
• Grilled peaches or apricots with goat cheese
• Moroccan or North African dishes with warm spices and dried fruit

Did You Know?

By the 1960s, Viognier had dwindled to just a few dozen acres in France. Its resurgence came thanks to its unique perfume and rich mouthfeel, making it one of the world’s most seductive and distinctive white wine grapes.