Viognier
About Viognier
In the vineyard, Viognier grapes are deep yellow, yielding a white wine that is equally deep in color. The variety prefers warm climates and requires a long growing season, though it has also been known to thrive in cooler climates. It is extremely prone to powdery mildew and is known for both low and unpredictable yields.
This highly aromatic variety is often associated with aromas and flavors of apricot, peach and flower blossoms. The wines are medium to full in body, low in acidity and are often described as having an oily texture.
France
Most widely planted in France, and specifically in the Rhône Valley, Viognier is the only grape permitted in the production of Condrieu and the monopole Château Grillet, in the northern Rhône Valley. The grape is also permitted in red wine appellation of Côte-Rôtie in the Northern Rhône, where it can comprise up to 20% of the blend.
In the Southern Rhône, Viognier is often blended with Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc to produce white wine blends.
In addition to the Rhône, Viognier is grown in the Languedoc region of Southern France.
Global Production
Viognier does not have much Old World presence outside of France, although it is grown in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. In the United States, winemakers in California’s Central Coast have had success with the grape. The so-called Rhône Rangers—winemakers known for introducing Rhône varieties to California—have been growing Viognier in California for decades. The grape is also widely planted in Virginia, where it has built a reputation as one of the state’s signature varieties.
Synonyms: Barbin, Bergeron, Galopine, Greffou, Petit Viognier, Petit Vionnier, Picotin Blanc, Rebelot, Viogne, Vionnier, Vugava Bijela
Also Take a look at...
Are Rhône Varieties Washington State’s White Knight?
This French Region Produces Timeless White Wines
What We're Tasting:
Bouchard Père & Fils 2020 Le Corton Grand Cru (Corton)
What We're Tasting:
ALDI 2021 Peaks & Tides Chardonnay (Sonoma County)
What We're Tasting:
ALDI 2021 Peaks & Tides Pinot Noir (Sonoma County)
What We're Tasting:
J. Lohr 2021 Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)
What We're Tasting:
Rutini 2019 Single Vineyard Gualtallary Cabernet Franc (Uco Valley)
What We're Tasting:
Le Cadeau 2021 Trajet Reserve Pinot Noir (Chehalem Mountains)
What We're Tasting:
Kenwood 2019 Discoveries Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
What We're Tasting:
Donatella Cinelli Colombini 2018 Prime Donne Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)
What We're Tasting:
Castello Bonomi 2016 CruPerdu Grande Annata Extra Brut White (Franciacorta)
What We're Tasting:
Castello Bonomi 2018 CruPerdu Brut Millesimato White (Franciacorta)
What We're Tasting:
Browne Family Vineyards 2022 Bitner Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley (WA))
What We're Tasting:
Lagar de Indra 2022 Albariño Albariño (Rías Baixas)
What We're Tasting:
Harper's Bench 2020 Riverview Vineyard Pinot Noir (Monterey)
What We're Tasting:
Blue Canyon 2022 Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Monterey)
What We're Tasting:
Casa Primicia 2017 Julian Madrid Reserva Tempranillo (Rioja)
What We're Tasting:
Dekreme 2022 Cuvée Brut Sparkling (Monterey County)
What We're Tasting:
Bortolomiol 2022 Ius Naturae Organic Brut Glera (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore)
What We're Tasting:
Luli 2021 Lemoravo Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
What We're Tasting:
Luli 2021 Monte Linda Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
What We're Tasting:
Laurent-Perrier NV Grand Siècle Brut Itération No. 26 (Champagne)
What We're Tasting:
Masi 2013 Campolongo di Torbe Red (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico)
What We're Tasting:
Shafer 2022 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay (Carneros-Napa Valley)
What We're Tasting:
Cristom 2021 Louise Vineyard Chardonnay (Eola-Amity Hills)
What We're Tasting:
Poggio di Sotto 2018 Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)
Sign Up For Wine Enthusiast Emails For Discounts And More!
Welcome to Wineenthusiast.com! By using our website and/or subscribing to our newsletter, you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our Privacy Policy