Viognier, from France to Australia, Should Be in Your Glass
For most of its history, Viognier was associated with the Rhône Valley of France. There, it reached its peak of quality in the appellations of Condrieu and Château-Grillet. Today, however, Viognier thrives around the world. And while it can be made in a range of styles, its telltale aromatic lift has made it a favorite among connoisseurs and casual consumers alike. Let’s take a look at why that is.
What is Viognier?
Viognier is a white grape variety that is typically crafted into wines of wonderful aromatic complexity. It tends to be lower in acid than, for example, Sauvignon Blanc, and therefore is generally less mouthwatering. But what it lacks in acidity it more than makes up for in notes of flowers, honey, and peaches that elevate the best Viognier wine to rank among the most interesting white wines in the world. It is also produced in other styles and blends. For example, it is often blended with Syrah in the Northern Rhône appellation of Côte-Rotie (and with Shiraz in some Australian red wines that use the Côte-Rotie style as their inspiration). And alongside Mourvedre, Marsanne, Grenache, Grenache Blanc, and more, it is one of the most important grape varieties in the Southern Rhône, too. It is occasionally blended with Chardonnay, adding a sense of florality to wine without overwhelming it. Viognier is an incredibly versatile—and delicious—grape variety.
Is Viognier similar to Chardonnay?
Though both Chardonnay and Viognier are capable of being produced into wines of velvety texture and layered nuance, they differ in several key ways. The main difference is the sense of aromatics in Viognier wines. Also, whereas Viognier tends to be more peach-like in character, Chardonnay often leans more in the direction of apples, pears, and melons. Both Chardonnay and Viognier, however, can possess tropical-fruit notes that are fascinating to compare.
What food does Viognier pair with?
Viognier is a wonderful wine to pair with food. It’s excellent alongside simply sauteed or grilled seafood and fish, and works wonders alongside aromatic dishes like curries (both Indian and Thai styles). And grilled stone fruit, like peaches and apricots, are excellent with Viognier.
Do you chill Viognier before serving?
Yes, Viognier should be chilled before serving, but it shouldn’t be too cold. If it is, Viognier will not express the full range of flavors and aromas it will if it’s served slightly less than refrigerator cold. Your best bet is to remove the bottle from the fridge 20 minutes before serving.
What grape is Viognier made from?
Viognier wines are made from the Viognier grape variety.
Where are Viognier grapes grown?
Viognier grapes are grown around the world, though their history is typically traced back to the Rhône Valley. Now, however, Viognier thrives South West France, Australia, California, and elsewhere. Its geographic range is expanding all the time, and with wonderful results.
Is Viognier a dry wine?
Viognier is typically produced in a dry style, though its notes of ripe peaches and honey often make it smell like it will be a bit sweet. And, indeed, in riper vintages, Viognier can possesses a sense of fruity sweetness, but generally not sugary sweetness. There are some late-harvest Viogniers, however, that are produced in a sweet style. These are excellent on their own as well as alongside cheese and dessert.
What are popular producers of Viognier?
Among the many popular producers of Viognier, some of the best are Yalumba, Cline, McManis, Darioush, Stags Leap Viognier, Pine Ridge Viognier, Freemark Abbey, Chapoutier, Yves Cuilleron, Jaboulet, Laurent Miquel, Campuget, and Gerard Bertrand.
Browse our full selection of Viognier online or check out our selection of highly rated Viognier for a great new Viognier to try this week!
Want to learn more about Viognier?
Visit our Guide to Viognier to learn more about Viognier.