Viognier (vee-own-yay) is a full-bodied white wine that originated in southern France.
Dominant flavors include Tangerine, Peach, Nectarine, Apricot, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Orange Blossom, Honeysuckle, Rose, White Pepper.
These thick-skinned grapes are usually dry to off-dry in style.
Viognier wine is known for aroma of stone fruits and flowers and a floral nose of vanilla and nutmeg. Naturally low in acidity, the Viognier grape requires a great deal of sunshine to ripen properly.
Viognier is a perfect summer time wine.
Fun Fact
Viognier was near extinction in the 1960s with only 35-acres in the world, located solely in Condrieu and Chateau – Grillet (France). By the 1970s Australian and Californian winemakers fostered a renaissance for the varietal. The grape has made a remarkable recovery and more widely grown today.
WHERE TO FIND THE VIOGNIER GRAPE
Viognier is widely grown in France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, United States, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and even Japan. Well-known – and top producing – regions include the Rhone Valley in France, the Central Coast in the U.S., and Southern Australia.
The Eden Valley in Australia produces some of the finest examples of Viognier wines.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT MOOD FOR VIOGNIER WINE?
HOW TO ENJOY VIOGNIER WINE
VIOGNIER FOOD PAIRING
Viognier wine is very food-friendly. It pairs well with Chicken, Pork Chops, White Fish, Shellfish, Basil, Thyme, Fennel, Dill, Fennel, Goat Cheese and Crème fraîche.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VIOGNIER WINE
Glassware: The wine should be consumed in a white wine glass
Shelf life: About 2 years.
Bottle prices: About $20 – $30; Californian Viognier and Rhone styles can be up to $40.
VIOGNIER WINE RECOMMENDATIONS
Looking for Viognier recommendations? Here are a few suggested sips.
Stags’ Leap
Viognier
(Napa Valley)(Sicily, Italy)
Maia Parish
Carpe Travel collaborated with Maia Parish to compile the grape varietal overviews. Maia Parish is an award-winning events producer, sommelier, wine judge, and media consultant. She lives in Denver, Colorado and likes to eat copious amounts of food. You can find her here www.linktr.ee/thewinemistress.