The world of white wine is complex. And though anyone who enjoys wine knows and appreciates Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, there are numerous other white varietals with interesting palates that will wow the wine lovers in your life.
One of our favorites is Viognier, a full-bodied white wine with low acidity and higher alcohol content that has seen a steady rise in popularity over the last few years.
If you’re not familiar with it yet, we’d like to introduce you and share the basics on why it’s the perfect option for anyone looking to liven up their wine collection in the new year. It’s an excellent choice that makes for flavorful pairings and easy sipping.
Why Viognier?
Viognier is a fine white wine. While it’s a great option for summer sipping and the perfect refresh for a warm day, it’s also a wonderful addition to meals of any season because of its versatility. It pairs well with many different cuisines (more on that below) and, because of its medium weight and body, will please both white and red wine drinkers.
Need a place to start? California-born Viognier, like Stags’ Leap Winery 2024 Napa Valley Viognier, is a refreshing addition to the white wine family. The weight is similar to a Chardonnay, but the wine offers dramatic aromas and unexpected flavors and textures that are sure to delight.
A Peculiar History
Viognier is produced with grapes of the same name, born in the Northern Rhône region of southeastern France. Its history is murky at best. One legend claims the Romans brought the grapes to the region from Dalmatia (modern-day Croatia). Another theory says the vines were pirated from a cargo ship by local thieves in the Condrieu wine-growing region while being transported to Beaujolais on the Rhône River.
The wine almost went extinct. In the late 19th century, invasive pests from overseas nearly ended grape production in the Rhône region. The grapes became rare and, in the first half of the 20th century, the wars drove most winemakers off the land.
By 1965, there were only roughly 30 acres of vineyard land for Viognier left. However, vines in France started to recover and, by the 1980s, they were thriving in the Rhône region again and began to be exported to other wine-producing regions beyond Rhône.
Today, Viognier is a popular grape that is planted in many winemaking countries around the world.
A Particular Grape
Viognier vines require special attention and care in order to thrive. They’re very particular. If the grapes are harvested too soon, they won’t have developed their signature aromas yet. However, if picked too late, they’ll produce an unpleasant, oily wine. They need a long growing season with consistent weather and a robust protective canopy of vine leaves. They appreciate just the right amount of sun and cool, coastal nights to enhance their natural acidity.
The vines are especially susceptible to mildew, which makes them challenging to grow. They thrive on south-facing slopes with good drainage, and the sun exposure helps them retain some warmth, which helps the thin skinned and tightly-clustered grapes fight mildew through the cool nights.
The difficulty in growing Viognier is part of why the wine is so fine. These conditions create a complexity that can’t be matched.
Tasting Notes
Viognier is bold. The wine bursts with natural aromas of peaches and apricots, intertwined with floral scents of violets, honeysuckle, and hints of almond or allspice. These aromas can intensify when the wine is aged in oak barrels. Terpenes, an organic compound found in the skin of the grapes, similar to those found in Riesling and Muscat, create these vibrant, fruity aromas.
Every Viognier is different. The specific aromas and tastes depend heavily on where the grapes were grown, the age of the vines, when they were harvested, and how the wine was crafted. Since Viognier vines are sensitive, the diversity in flavor is part of their appeal.
Each sip of the wine is extremely vibrant with a surprising depth and complexity. You’ll taste sweet, tangy tangerine and mango with hints of stone fruit and a little whisper of oak. Older vines create a creamy hint of vanilla or the nuances of clove, nutmeg, and allspice.
Viognier is dry, smooth, full-bodied, and bright. It’s got a delightful finish that keeps wine lovers coming back for another sip.
How to Serve
While it may be complicated to grow, Viognier is an easy pour.
The wine is best enjoyed young. Viognier will lose some of the complex aromas as it ages. Old World bottles are best kept for three years at most, and though some New World vintages (including California) can remain top-notch for up to 10 years, we still recommend you enjoy the wine within its first three to five years.
The ideal temperature to serve Viognier is between 40°F and 50°F. This wine doesn’t need to be decanted; a standard white wine glass will give you the full aromatic experience and flavor expression.
Perfect Pairings for Viognier
We love Viognier particularly because of its versatility with food. It complements lighter fare, fish, poultry, and spicy dishes exceptionally well.
Shrimp is the perfect seafood for Viognier. Opt for blackened, Cajun, or Jamaican-style to bring out the wine’s flavor. It also goes well with Jambalaya or grilled salmon with a cream sauce.
Grilled chicken and turkey also complement Viognier. The wine’s notes of sweet fruit and light honey balance the poultry’s subtle flavors. For a surprising combination, try it with Mexican chicken chili verde or Szechuan chicken.
Having pad Thai for dinner? Choose Viognier. It’s a wonderful wine for vegetables and can also complement tangy orange sauce or a sweet and sour glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Viognier?
vee-aa-nyay
Who would enjoy Viognier?
Anyone who likes bold, unexpected wines. Viognier’s fruit-forward flavors and body will please anyone who likes Chardonnay, while the wine’s weight and palate will excite those who normally opt for red wines.
Do you have any recipes to pair with Viognier?
Try our Fall Spiced Chicken Thighs with Chorizo and Fennel Bread Salad or our Spiced Carrot Cake with Brown Butter Frosting. The flavors will interact well with the wine’s notes of almond and allspice
Need a spritz? Our Viognier Spritzer with Blood Orange, Lemon, and Mint is guaranteed to wow on a balmy summer day.
