Viognier

Viognier is a white grape variety originating from the northern Rhône in France. With its full-bodied texture and intense aromas, it has become a popular grape for many winemakers around the world.

Viognier is a green-skinned grape which produces medium- to full-bodied wines. It has intense aromas of peach, honey and apricot, along with floral and spicy notes. On the palate, the wine is usually dry and its flavour profile is characterised by its rich texture and notes of stone fruit.

Viognier is mainly grown in the northern Rhône region of France, but it is also found in southern Rhone and Languedoc-Roussillon in France. It is widely grown in the United States, Australia and South Africa, as well as in parts of Italy, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and Canada. Viognier is a notoriously difficult grape to grow and it is sensitive to different winemaking techniques. It needs to be grown in a warm, sunny climate, and the most successful Viognier wines are those from high-altitude vineyards. The wine is usually fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, although some producers will use oak barrels. Viognier is often used to make single varietal wines, but in Cote-Rotie in northern Rhone, it acts as a cofermentation partner for Syrah. Condrieu is the synonym of the best expression of Viognier. The finest Condrieu has the complex aromas of stone fruit, honey, floral and spicy notes, at the same time, showing the a great balance of rich, oily texture and the freshness. In the sourthern Rhône and Languedoc Roussillon, it is blended with Marsanne, Roussane and other varieties.In the New World, Viognier is often made as a single varietal wine and can be characterised by its intense aromas of stone fruit. Viognier pairs well with a wide range of dishes, from seafood to poultry and spicy food. Its rich body makes it a great choice for dishes with rich sauces. It also goes well with creamy cheese and fruit-based desserts.

Viognier is thought to be named after the French village of Vienne, where it was first planted.

It is also a popular choice for late harvest wines, as its high sugar content makes it ideal for sweet wines.