Winegeeks

“V” grape entries

Viognier

A classic varietal from the northern areas of the Rhône valley of southwestern France. Viognier has never been found in large amounts, but in the 1960s it become almost extinct. It is enjoying a resurgence of sorts today along with all things Rhône, both in that region and also areas of California and Australia. Viognier has a thick skin with a heavy yellow pigment, and the wines it produces have a rich golden color even when young. Viognier is noted for making wine with a very perfumed aroma that can be compared to roasted pineapple, peach syrup, flowers or even fennel. The wines tend to be viscous and rich, with low levels of acidity. The better examples can be quite fascinating but if over production is a problem it can easily slip from big to oily and flabby.

The home of Viognier is in the northernmost points of the Rhône valley, namely Condrieu and Château Grillet. These tiny areas produce even tinier amounts of wine that can be quite expensive but also very tasty. Up to 20% of Viognier is allowed into the heavy Syrahs made in Côte-Rôtie. Viognier can also be found in many ares of the Languedoc-Rousillon as well as Vin de Pays. In California Viognier has become somewhat synonymous with rich, easy-drinking wine with a touch of sweetness. Also found in Australia where the wines can range from firm and floral to rich and oily. Viognier is always at its best when young.

Grape Color

White

Wines (33)

White Hall Vineyards 2008, Monticello VIOGNIER Monticello White
KINGS RIVER Viognier 2007 Breede River Valley White
Obsidian Vineyard Waiheke Island Viognier 2008 Auckland White
Treana Viognier/Marsanne Paso Robles Mer Soleil 2003 Paso Robles White
Treana Marsanne Paso Robles Meir Soleil Vineyard 2003 Paso Robles White
Vinum Cellars White Elephant California 2005 California White
Vinum Cellars Viognier San Benito Vista Verde Vineyard 2006 San Benito White
Château Couhins-Lurton Languedoc Les Salices Viognier 2006 Languedoc White
Les Salices Viognier 2005 Languedoc White
Tahbilk Viognier 2006 Nagombie Lakes White
Tahbilk Viognier 2006 Nagombie Lakes White
Cristom Vineyards Estate Viognier Willamette Valley 2005 Willamette Valley White
Whitman Cellars Viognier Walla Walla Valley 2005 Walla Walla Valley White
Michael David Vineyards Incognito White Lodi 2003 Lodi White
Les Jamelles Viognier 2004 Midi-Pyrénées White
Château Noel St. Laurent Côtes du Rhône Reserve Viognier 2004 Côtes du Rhône White
Seven Hills Viognier Columbia Valley 2005 Columbia Valley White
Isenhower Cellars Snapdragon Roussane-Viognier Columbia Valley 2005 Columbia Valley White
Château Grillet 2000 Château-Grillet White
Zaca Mesa Viognier Santa Ynez Valley 2002 Santa Ynez Valley White
Edmunds St. John Shell and Bone Paso Robles 2004 Paso Robles White
Terres Falmet Viognier Vin de Pays d'Oc 2003 Languedoc White
Domaine Lafond Roc-Epine Lirac Blanc 2004 Lirac White
Domaine Georges Vernay Condrieu Chaillees de l'Enfer 2002 Condrieu White
Domaine Georges Vernay Viognier Le Pied de Samson VDP 2002 Le Pied de Samson White
J. Vidal-Fleury Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2004 Côtes du Rhône White
Louis Latour Duet Chardonnay-Viognier 2003 Coteaux de l'Ardèche White
Renwood Viognier Select Series Lodi 2003 Lodi White
R. H. Phillips EXP Viognier 2000 Dunnigan Hills White
Keswick Vineyards Viognier Monticello Edgewood Estate Reserve 2002 Monticello White
Clay Station Lodi Viognier 2002 Lodi White
E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Vin Blanc 2001 Côtes du Rhône White
Domaine du Monteillet Condrieu 2000 Condrieu White