Viognier
A perfumed delicacy
Viognier is a white wine grape variety that originated in Croatia, France. It is quite well known to produce wines that are soft in texture but full-bodied at the same time. Viognier is an old plant, and though its family is not yet known, some scientists speculate that Viognier may be a distant relative of Savagnin Blanc.
Several interesting facts about Viognier can be learned. This white wine grape variety is popularly grown in regions other than France as well. Some of the regions include Australia, Canada, and Italy.
Viognier (White Grape)
This variety is quite vigorous and can be grown and harvested in harsh conditions. The best growing conditions for Viognier are warmer weather and fertile soil. An expansive, sunny area with cool nights helps the fruit to mature, and the soil needs to be well irrigated and rich in nutrients such as limestone to make the plant grow.
Viognier Taste Profile
Its colors can easily identify this white wine; however, it rose to popularity due to its heavenly perfumes. However, it also has a unique blend of structure and flavors. A few of the qualities of Viognier are mentioned below:
Colour
The grape is thin-skinned and slightly green.
Flavours & Aromas
The regions and conditions Viognier can greatly impact their flavors and scents. The most distinct flavors are mango, rose, tangerine, honeysuckle, and peach. Oak-aged Viognier can be creamy and quite bold in flavor. Viognier has rich, perfumed aromas such as apricots, musk, and may blossom.
Spice
Oak-aged Viognier will be creamier in structure and have hints of spice, such as vanilla, clove, and nutmeg.
Taste
The wine is primarily dry, coupled with little to no tannins.
Wine Structure
Viognier’s wine structure reveals medium-low acidity, dry feeling, abv of 13.5-15%, little to no fine tannins, and a medium body.
Other properties
Oak: American oak barrels
Age ability: Viognier falls under the categories of one of those wines that reach their full potential and flavor after aging. These wines can be aged for up to 3-5 years for flavor maximization.
Other flavours: gravel, petunia, apple
Serving temp: Cold (45-55 °F | 7-12 °C)
Taste profile
The typical Viognier is medium-low acidic, has light tannins, a medium-full body, and apricot, peach, and spicy vanilla notes.
Common regions to find Viognier
- France – Northern Rhone
- Australia – Eden Valley
- United States – Virginia
- Italy – Sicily
- South Africa – Elgin
Summary
Viognier is quite famous for its full-bodied and perfumed white wines. Despite being a dry wine, it is quite aromatic, which led to its popularity. It is quite old and does not have many distinct family members but stands on its own. Viognier can be enjoyed with rich and heavy foods such as buttery shellfish stew, cheesy pasta, grilled salmon, sweet and spicy chicken, lobster, roast pork, and quail. Fondue, brie, and fresh fruits and vegetables such as mangoes, cranberries, oranges, butternut squash, bell peppers, and olives also pair well with Viognier.