VIOGNIER
Golden Fruit And Floral Allure
Viognier is a white grape variety known for its perfumed aromatics, lush texture, and stone fruit flavors. Originally from the Rhône Valley in France, it thrives in warmer climates and is cherished for its expressive style and silky body.
Key Characteristics
Viognier is a richly aromatic white wine with a smooth texture and moderate acidity. Expect expressive notes of apricot, peach, and honeysuckle.
Style
White
Body
Medium to full
Acidity
Medium
Primary Grapes
Viognier
Typical Flavors
Apricot, peach, tangerine, honeysuckle, orange blossom
Origin & History
Viognier has ancient roots in southern France, particularly in the northern Rhône's Condrieu and Château-Grillet appellations. After near extinction in the mid-20th century, it has seen a revival in both Old and New World vineyards, appreciated for its bold aromatics and distinctive style.
How It’s Made
Viognier is often vinified in stainless steel to preserve its fresh aromatics, though some producers use oak to add complexity and texture. Malolactic fermentation may be partially employed, and lees stirring is sometimes used to enhance mouthfeel.
Notable Regions
Viognier grows best in warm climates that allow full ripening of its aromatic profile.
France
Rhône Valley
Especially Condrieu, Château-Grillet
United States
California, Virginia
Australia
South Australia
Often co-fermented with Shiraz
South Africa
Cape regions
Food Pairings
Viognier’s floral nose and stone fruit flavors pair well with richly spiced or fragrant dishes.
Appetizers
Vietnamese spring rolls, grilled peaches with burrata
Poultry & Pork
Roast chicken with herbs, pork tenderloin with apricot glaze
Spiced Dishes
Moroccan tagine, Indian butter chicken
Cheese
Aged Gouda, triple cream, Comté
How to Serve It
Glassware
White wine glass to preserve aromatics and concentrate flavors
Temperature
48–52°F (9–11°C)
Storage
Cool, dark place; upright for short-term or cork-down if aging
Fun Fact
In Côte-Rôtie, France, Viognier is famously co-fermented with Syrah to add floral lift and texture to the red wine; a unique blending practice still used today.
Try This If You Like
Torrontés
Gewürztraminer
Wines with bold aromatics and a round texture
Recommended Producers
These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of Rhône-style wines, from the cool coasts of California to the storied slopes of the Northern Rhône and Barossa.
Cave Yves Cuilleron
A benchmark Northern Rhône producer crafting both powerful Côte-Rôtie blends and expressive varietal Viognier with clarity and finesse.
Henschke
One of Australia’s most acclaimed estates, known for blending Rhône varietals like Shiraz and Viognier with elegance and regional character.
Peay Vineyards
A coastal California producer specializing in cool-climate wines, including a nuanced, aromatic Viognier with vibrant tension.
Yves Cuilleron
Celebrated for producing a wide range of Rhône whites and reds, including the accessible and beautifully perfumed Les Vignes d’à Côté Viognier.
Recommended Pours
Cave Yves Cuilleron - Cote Rotie Bassenon 2021 — A refined Northern Rhône Syrah-Viognier blend with dark berry fruit, floral lift, and smoky minerality.
Henschke - Henry's Seven 2019 — A Rhône-inspired Australian blend offering vibrant red and black fruits, spice, and a smooth, savory finish.
Peay Vineyards - Estate Viognier,West Sonoma Coast 2021 — A fresh and elegant California Viognier with white peach, jasmine, and a crisp coastal edge.
Yves Cuilleron - Viognier Vignes D'a Cote 2022 — A beautifully aromatic Northern Rhône Viognier with stone fruit, honeysuckle, and a sleek, mineral finish.