Viognier

A variety that has become quite fashionable in recent years. A far cry from forty or so years ago when it covered just a few sites in the northern Rhône, most notably Condrieu and Château Grillet. It is now grown quite extensively throughout the Languédoc and is also produced in North America and with some success on Australia and South Africa. There are a few examples from South America too.

Characteristics: The wines are often quite viscous and the aroma can be very intense with apricots and peaches coming to the fore. The acidity is generally quite low which often recommends the wines for early drinking whilst their delicate flavours remain fresh. Condrieu and some of the other northern Rhône examples have a strange habit of being enjoyable in their youth or with some age yet going through a disagreeable middle age.

Where is it found? Rhône, Languédoc, Australia, South Africa, South America and California.

Wines associated: Condrieu

Food matches: Chicken, delicately flavoured fish, aperitif

.....................................................................................................................................................................................

Click here to view the wines from this grape >>

.....................................................................................................................................................................................