Grape Variety
Viognier
"vee-ON-yay"
Wine Styles
Sparkling
Light White
Full White
Aromatic
Rosé
Light Red
Medium Red
Full Red
DessertAbout Viognier
Origin
France
History
Viognier is a white grape variety originating from the Northern Rhône region in France, particularly associated with the Condrieu appellation. It was once near extinction but has experienced a resurgence due to its unique aromatic profile and versatility.
Appearance
Small to medium-sized, golden-yellow berries with a thick skin.
Growing Traits
Viognier is a late-ripening grape that requires a warm climate to achieve optimal ripeness. It is sensitive to yields and can be challenging to cultivate, often resulting in low yields. The grape's thick skin helps protect it from pests and diseases.
Wine Characteristics
Body
4/5
Sweetness
1/5
Tannin
0/5
Acidity
3/5
Alcohol
3/5
Full-bodied with a rich, creamy texture, offering a luxurious mouthfeel. Typically vinified dry, highlighting its natural fruitiness and floral notes. As a white grape variety, Viognier wines have negligible tannin content, resulting in a smooth and approachable mouthfeel. Medium acidity, providing balance and freshness to the wine. Moderate to high alcohol content, generally ranging from 12% to 14%, contributing to the wine's body and intensity.
Taste Profile
Peach
Apricot
Honey
Orange Blossom
Spice
Viognier wines are characterized by their intense aromas and flavors of ripe stone fruits like peach and apricot, complemented by notes of honey, orange blossom, and subtle spices. The wines are typically full-bodied with a rich, creamy texture and a moderate to high alcohol content, balanced by medium acidity. These characteristics make Viognier wines both aromatic and flavorful, appealing to a wide range of palates.
Food Pairing
Viognier's aromatic profile and full body make it a versatile pairing for a variety of dishes. It complements rich seafood like lobster and crab, as well as poultry dishes such as roasted chicken or duck. The wine's floral and fruity notes also pair well with Asian cuisine, including Thai and Indian dishes, and creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
Growing Regions
France
Northern RhôneLanguedoc-Roussillon
United States
CaliforniaWashington
Australia
Adelaide HillsHunter Valley
South Africa
StellenboschPaternoster
Chile
Limarí ValleyElqui Valley
Notable Wines & Producers
Condrieu
Domaine Georges Vernay
E. Guigal
Yves Cuilleron
Y Series Viognier
Yalumba
Paternoster Viognier
Paternoster
Viognier FAQ
Common questions about this grape variety
What is the origin of Viognier?
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France
Is Viognier wine full bodied?
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Viognier has a body level of 4 out of 5. Which means that Viognier is Moderate to Full bodied.
Is Viognier wine dry or sweet?
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Viognier has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Viognier is Dry.
Where is Viognier wine from?
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France
Where is Viognier grown?
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Viognier is grown in France (Northern Rhône, Languedoc-Roussillon)United States (California, Washington)Australia (Adelaide Hills, Hunter Valley)South Africa (Stellenbosch, Paternoster)Chile (Limarí Valley, Elqui Valley).
What is Viognier like?
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Viognier wines are characterized by their intense aromas and flavors of ripe stone fruits like peach and apricot, complemented by notes of honey, orange blossom, and subtle spices. The wines are typically full-bodied with a rich, creamy texture and a moderate to high alcohol content, balanced by medium acidity. These characteristics make Viognier wines both aromatic and flavorful, appealing to a wide range of palates.
What does Viognier pair with?
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Viognier's aromatic profile and full body make it a versatile pairing for a variety of dishes. It complements rich seafood like lobster and crab, as well as poultry dishes such as roasted chicken or duck. The wine's floral and fruity notes also pair well with Asian cuisine, including Thai and Indian dishes, and creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
What does Viognier taste like?
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Viognier wines are characterized by their intense aromas and flavors of ripe stone fruits like peach and apricot, complemented by notes of honey, orange blossom, and subtle spices. The wines are typically full-bodied with a rich, creamy texture and a moderate to high alcohol content, balanced by medium acidity. These characteristics make Viognier wines both aromatic and flavorful, appealing to a wide range of palates.
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