Viognier – A white grape from the Rhone
- Viognier is a variety of a white wine grape from the Rhone Valley in France.
- It was not long ago that Viognier was a rare varietal in California. California Viognier is now a fashionable and popular alternative to Chardonnay.
- Viognier has aromas and flavors of floral, peach, apricot, pear, and melon. On occasion, some earthiness and spice are displayed.
- Winemakers that make this wine in three ways: Age in stainless tanks that give no oak flavors; aged in Oak barrels; aged in oaked and allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation. This process gives the wine a buttery aroma and flavor and a creamy texture in the mouth.
- Viognier is a good food match with spicy foods, grilled chicken or fish. An oaky Viognier can be matched with white meat and cheese. Avoid oaky Viognier with light foods.