Viognier is a white aromatic grape variety from the Northern Rhône Valley.
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.
Viognier is aromatic, fat, fruity, and floral:
SUGAR | Dry | ||
BODY | Medium to Full | ||
FRUIT | Medium Plus | ||
ACIDITY | Medium - Low | ||
|
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.
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).
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 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.