Discovering Viognier wine

The Viognier comes from the massif of the Archéchois foothills of the Massif Centra l. The strain of this grape variety is found in several countries around the world, but its taste is quite particular when it is raised in France or in Condrieu .

This is how it is also found in the northern Côtes du Rhône , in the Rhône Valley , in Côte Rôtie , at Château Grillet and in several countries around the world. Viognier wine is also used in Italy, Spain, Greece, Switzerland and Austria. It is also found in the United States and Australia where it represents 70% of the surface planted in white. It is also grown in many Portuguese wine regions, in Virginia, California and Georgia. Very often vinified alone, this variety, also very vigorous, is moderately productive. It is pruned moderately, because high yields can affect its taste quality.

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Viognier is mainly grown between Vienne, south of Lyon and Valence, and, further south, between Valence and Orange in the foothills of the Massif Central. It is also grown on Mediterranean soil and slightly in the Corsica massif. It deploys effectively in less hot areas and particularly appreciates acid soils. In vogue, it represented 14 hectares in 1968 and 2006, 3250 hectares. For optimal production, it is necessary to adapt it to the southern zone and protect it from drought. It is especially recommended not to fatten it in order to put it in the lowest possible production conditions. The grape variety also needs heat to ripen as well as possible. However, it's best to be careful of excess heat that can cause early ripening .

Characteristics of Viognier

Mostly grown in the Condrieu and Ampuis vineyards, Viognier is a very old grape variety that is used to make single- varietal wines in the south of France. It is therefore clear that Viognier belongs to the grape varieties of the Condrieu, Château Grillet and Côte Rôtie appellations. This variety is characterized by a bubbled blade, slightly curly on its outer edges. With a low-density inner surface, Viognier exhibits erect and lying hairs. The lobes, on the other hand, have medium-sized teeth. Its rectilinear or convex side has made it a unique grape variety.

The clusters and berries of this variety are all small. The outside or even the end of the young branch is medium in density with flattened hairs and the leaves are green in color with a bronze appearance. As for the older leaves, they have a light or medium green color and are orbicular in shape. As with younger leaves, the clusters and berries of adult leaves are very small in size, but have about 5 lobes.

It offers aromas of honeysuckle, lime, wax, iris, woody , quince... Viognier produces a striking aromatic complexity in the mouth. It also comes in aromas of tobacco, mango honey, gingerbread, all associated with a touch of musk, peach, violet, lime blossom or even dried fruits that end on a mineral tone. . The excellent news is that this variety is not particularly sensitive to diseases such as gray rot, which allows it to produce high-class sweet wines , especially in the best vintages.

Tasting advice

Viognier seduces wine lovers with its aromatic richness . The most traditional flavors are violet and white peach. On the palate, we note the deployment of certain aromas such as orange zest, candied apricot, white flowers and jasmine. Viognier wine is very expressive in terms of flavor. Of high quality, at the same time fatty, supple and very slightly unctuous, it is very fragrant and does not require a certain aeration before tasting.

Vin de pays de la Méditerranée, Viognier wine can be served with a fillet of red mullet à la provençale, oranges or Caesar amarites, an asparagus risotto or a risotto with spring vegetables. Most often, it is served at a temperature between 10 and 12°C and its aging time is 1 to 3 years from its vintage. The white wines made from this grape variety are ideal for enhancing the taste of spicy meals originating from Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. The floral tone of some of these wines recalls the flavor of sake which goes perfectly with sushi or sashimi .

Where to find a Viognier wine?

Oé only offers wines from organic farming or organic grapes . Drinking the organic Viognier wine offered by the platform means opting for a responsible diet. You will discover a varied range of wine made from Viognier from Condrieu, Côtes-du-Rhône or Côtes Rôtie, all that is best to enhance the flavor of your dishes. Moreover, choosing an organic wine means opting for a wine devoid of sulfur and therefore which will protect you from headaches, especially if you are intolerant to sulphites.

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