VIOGNIER
Quick overview
Viognier is an aromatic grape variety and often has notes of apricot, orange blossom and honey. It often has a texture similar to chardonnay and produces soft, full bodied wines. It is generally low in acidity.
On the grapevine...
Viognier is the only grape variety grown in Condrieu AOC and Chateau Grillet AOC in Northern Rhone, France. These are often the most expensive Viogniers and can be of outstanding quality.
Condrieu and Chateau-Grillet Viogners are normally quite different in style with Château-Grillet cellaring its wines for at least 24 months in a combination of new and old oak barrels and ageing for eight years or more. This produces more honeyed aromas, accompanied with truffle, apricot and tangerine on the palate with some floral notes. Condrieu wines are less honeyed and fresher on the palate and not so heavy.
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In 2011 the American state of Virginia named Viognier it's signature white grape.
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In Australia, Yalumba winery is the country's largest producer of Viognier. Yalumba grows the grape in soil composed of sand and clay in Eden Valley.
More about the grape...
Viognier should generally be drunk young - no older than about three years from the vintage date. Unless you're drinking an expensive Chateau Grillet which is normally aged for 8-10 years but this Viognier is an entirely different kettle of fish and not your typical Viognier (see On the Grapevine).
Random information...
Viognier is Syrah’s sister grape and one of the few white grapes that grows well in warmer climates.
Safe bet countries/ regions (this is a VERY general guide)
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Northern Rhone, Condrieu (most expensive) and Pays d'Oc (Languedoc-Roussillon) Southern France - France
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Napa Valley and Sonoma, California - US
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Eden Valley and Barossa - South Australia