Viognier is a captivating grape variety known for producing aromatic expressive white wine. Originating from the Rhone Valley in France, particularly in the Condrieu region, Viognier has gained popularity worldwide for its distinctive flavours and luxurious texture.
Viognier Characteristics
In terms of taste, Viognier wines typically exhibit a rich and full-bodied profile with pronounced floral aromas, often reminiscent of honeysuckle, jasmine and orange blossom. These floral aromas are complimented by vibrant fruity flavours, including ripe peach, apricot, and tropical fruits like pineapple and mango flavours. Viogner wines can also display hints of spice, such as rich flavours of ginger or white pepper, adding a whole different complexity layer to the overall flavour profile.
One of the most notable characteristics of Viognier is its luscious mouthfeel. The wines often have a silky texture with a slightly oily or viscous quality, which often contributes to their luxurious and indulgent nature! These wines can stand excellently on their own or be paired beautifully with certain types of dishes! Viognier grape varieties offer aromatic and flavourful profiles, making them an excellent match for aromatic cuisines like Thai, Indian or Moroccan dishes. Viognier’s natural sweetness and acidity can balance spicy or savoury flavours, making it an ideal component for curries, stir fries and dishes with creamy types of sauces.
Additionally, Viognier pairs well with seafood, particularly shellfish like lobster, crab and scallops. The wine’s fruity and floral notes can enhance delicate flavours of these seafood dishes without overpowering them. Poultry dishes, especially those with a subtle hint of spice or sweetness , also pair well with Viognier.
Types Of Viognier Wines
Viognier is commonly known as a versatile grape and is frequently used in blends with other types of grape varieties to add aromatic complexity and texture. One of the most common examples of blending is Viognier with Roussanne and Marsanne to create Rhone style blends. These wines often have a much richer texture and additional flavour components such as pear, honey and spice. Viogner blends can vary widely depending on the style of grape that is used, but generally offer a balance of fruitiness, acidity and aromatic intensity. Here at The Little Fine Wine Company we offer blends of wine using Viognier grapes like Guigal Condrieu which offers a stunning balance of acidity and sweetness to the mouth, we offer this and so much more to really get your taste buds tingling!
Image by Katie Nichols