Viognier

TL; DR

Rich, full-bodied and oily white from the Rhône Valley, with plenty of flavour!

So, what is Viognier all about?--red

Viognier is one full-on wine. It's a big-bodied white that doesn't mind oak, is fat, rich and perfumed. Think thick in all the best ways and you're on the right track. Not shy, this wine holds serious impact in the glass. View our range and buy Viognier online today »

Where did Viognier originate?--vegan

Studies have developed several origin stories, but it is still somewhat of a mystery. Genetic testing has shown Viognier as either a grandparent or half-sibling of sorts (some families are just complicated - am I right?) to Syrah, the famous red grape of the Rhône Valley. this would suggest homage in France. But there's also evidence lending a case to its origins being from the Piedmonte region of Italy! All that being said, the origin story you're most likely to hear is Viognier originating on the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia. So... wherever it started it's clear that the Rhône Valley of France has become its dependable home base.

Where's Viognier famously from nowadays?--earth

It's crazy. Viognier was once MUCH more widely planted than it is today. Up until the 1960s 🌼 it was seriously smashing it — in the Rhône region of France especially. But then in the 60s things took a turn. Thousands of acres went down to a minuscule 8. Things have sure taken a turn since then though!

France is the hero today with the majority of plantings and the "classic" expression of the grape. Look especially to the Rhône Valley. Here you'll find it in the Côte Rotie (where it's famously blended with Syrah) or better yet, Condrieu — where it's the only permitted white grape of the region — as well as the tiny 9-acre region of Château Grillet ($$$).

Moving a little further south within France, you'll also see it planted in the Languedoc-Roussillon. Here it's more often used in blends with other whites like Marsanne, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. A little less oily in expression, but still rich in style.

Outside of France, there are exciting examples coming out of the USA and Australia. Look especially to California and Washington in the US, and the Eden Valley, Murrumbateman and Yarra Valley in Australia.

Modest, but notable plantings can also be found in Canada, Chile and South Africa.

What does Viognier taste like?--lemon

Viognier is no shrinking violet. It can be especially heady with plenty of perfume, exotic fruit flavours and spice. This is a powerful variety, often loaded with ripe stone fruit flavours like apricot, peach and nectarine. It's also commonly oaked, which will add things like vanilla, cinnamon and clove to the aroma. The best wines will be strongly floral as well — think jasmine, honeysuckle and roses.

While the acidity of Viognier is typically not prominent, it should have a richness that is cut by some twinge of bitterness to keep things taut and tasty.

What are the main styles Viognier is known for?--cellar

This essentially comes down to oaked or not. While oak ageing is quite common for this wine when made in the Rhône Valley, a lot of New World examples forgo the oak, looking to create a fresher style. But these are still quite big, round and rather flamboyant with its exotic floral notes and spice!

What foods pair with Viognier?--pizza

Viognier can be a tricky wine to match up, but the richness of the wine works well with richer proteins - think roast chicken, turkey or poached salmon.

The spice in the wine also works wonders with Indian food, just make sure the wine isn't too high in alcohol. Elevated alcohol (which is common in Viognier because of how it ripens) can clash with the spice notes in the wine.

Recipes to pair with Viognier--eggplant

Chicken, Leek and Beans Traybake
Spiced Cashew Dip
Easy Veggie Korma
Salmon on Saag Aloo

Fun fact--strawberry

Viognier nearly disappeared from the earth in the 1960s, with very few hectares remaining at one stage. Luckily. a reinvigoration occurred simultaneously in the Languedoc, California and South Australia. Hooray for Viognier!

If you like Viognier, you should also give these grapes a guzzle...--wines

Rich styles of Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer

About the Author & Artist

Alex is a certified sommelier that spends more time running in old-growth forests than any other somm — impulsively training her nose while at it! A talented illustrator with a unique style, her doodling works are inspired by the world of wine - and somehow, seem to improve after a glass or two.