Viognier (France)
Viognier is a white aromatic grape variety from the Northern Rhône Valley.
Typical Flavors
 Mango |
 Apricot |
 Peach |
 Pear |
 Violets |
 Honeysuckle |
 Gingerbread |
 Hazelnuts |
 Orange |
 Melon |
 Fig |
 Anise |
Yellow fruits such Mango, Apricot, Pear and Peach are typical Viognier flavors.
Perfume notes of Spring Flowers, Musk, Spices and Nuts.
Profile
Viognier is aromatic, fat, fruity, and floral:
| SUGAR | Dry | ||
| BODY | Medium to Full | ||
| FRUIT | Medium Plus | ||
| ACIDITY | Medium - Low | ||
| |||
Food Pairing
 Seafood |
 Lobster |
 Quiche |
 Creamy Fish Soup |
 Creamy Risotto |
 Smocked Salmon |
 Asian Curries |
 Pesto |
 Chicken |
 Pork |
 Veal |
 Cheese |
Viognier loves creamy dishes.
The aromatic and fruity nature pairs well with spicy Asian Curries.
Pairing Suggestions
Excellent Pairing:
Creamy Seafood. Lobster. Crab. Fish.
Creamy Chicken or Turkey. Coronation Chicken.
Creamy Curries. Kormas.
Creamy Tai Cuisine. Pad Thai.
Tagines with Apricot. Ginger. Saffron. Coconut.
Sweet Potatoes. Butternut Squash. Sweet Root Vegetables.
Cheese:
Mild Cheddar. Chaumes. Double Glouchester
Gouda. Manchego. Monterey Jack.
Brie. Camambert.
Local Specialities:
Rigotte de Condrieu (Goat Cheese).
Picodon de la Drôme (Goat Cheese).
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The Ideal Glass
The Montrachet glass is perfect for full-bodied white wines such as:
The wide bowl steers the wine to the sensitive parts of the tongue, ensuring that the acidity creates a harmonious balance with the sweet aromas of aged wines.
The wide bowl allows the full bouquet of aromas to develop, and minimise the risk for it to be over-concentrated.
About Viognier
According to a legend, the Roman Emperor Probus introduced Viognier to France after he had brought it over from the Dalmatian coast of Croatia.
DNA research from UC Davis shows that the grape is of Alpine origines, closely related to the Fresia variety from Piedmont.
Viognier grape variety loves gneiss terroirs and the steep granitic slopes contained by terraces and walls.
On the brink of extintion in the 1960s: there were only 14 hectares in the world, all of them in France.
Today is Viognier planted all over the world.
Depending on vinification, Viognier can be flexible: dry, off dry, sweet. Oaked or unoaked.
If labeled "vendange tardive" (late harvest) it is sweet.
Cool Climate vs Warm Climate
Cool Climate Viognier is to find in Condrieu (Northern Rhône) and Virginia (East Coast US). The body and acidity is medium.
Warm Climate Viognier is to find in California and Chile. Full body, lower acidity, dry but fruity.
Côtes du Rhône
Côtes du Rhône is an AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) wine region in the Rhône Valley of France. There are two main regions:
- Côtes du Rhône North (Septentrional)
- Côtes du Rhône South (Méridional)
Côtes du Rhône North
In the North, the main grape is Syrah.
The grapes grow on very steep slopes, and are manually picked in hillside trolleys, wich adds to the price.
Côtes du Rhône South
In the South, the main grape is Grenache.
The area is famous for its GSM wines: A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.