Viognier (France)

Viognier is a white aromatic grape variety from the Northern Rhône Valley.

Typical Flavors


Cool Climate

Mango
Mango
Apricot
Apricot
Peach
Peach
Pear
Pear

Violets
Violets
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle
Gingerbread
Gingerbread
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts

Warm Climate

Orange
Orange
Melon
Melon
Fig
Fig
Anise
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:

SUGARDry
BODYMedium to Full
FRUITMedium Plus
ACIDITYMedium - Low
Serving temperature:
10-12°C (50-54°F)

Food Pairing


Rich Seafood
Seafood
Lobster
Lobster
Quiche
Quiche
Fish Soup
Creamy
Fish Soup

Risotto
Creamy Risotto
Smocked Salmon
Smocked Salmon
Chili
Asian Curries
Pesto
Pesto
Chicken
Chicken
Pork
Pork
Veal
Veal
Cheese
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).

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.