Viognier Varietal of the Month
Viognier is a
full-bodied white wine originally from the Northern Rhone Valley in
France. Viognier differs depending on the climate be it cool or warm.
Cool climate wines tend towards bright citrus notes, while warm climate
wines exhibit deeper floral notes and ripe stone fruit flavors. Flavor
and aroma will vary depending if the wine undergoes malolatic
fermentation and if oak barrels or stainless steel is used for aging.
Depending on the style, California Viognier can walk the line between a
warm climate Riesling and a traditional Chardonnay. Best served with a
light chill, slightly above room temperature to allow the full
expression of flavors. Pronounced [Vee-ohn-yay]
Capo Creek Ranch
2019 Viognier North Coast
Pale gold in color the Capo Creek 2019 North Coast Viognier has an
opening chord of honeysuckle and salty lemon on the nose. It thrums with
a melody of stone fruit and spice with lush flavors of pineapple and
creamy guava on the palate. A bit of orange pith on the finish adds
depth to the body of flavor. Pair with grilled chicken topped with mango
chutney.
$42
ABV 14.1%
Mengler Family Wines
2018 Viognier Hoot Owl Creek Vineyard, Alexander Valley
Aged in neutral American oak for 10 months, the 2018 Viognier Hoot
Owl Creek Vineyard has a light floral nose of honeysuckle and orange
blossom. On the palate the initial notes of honey and lemon zest open up
and give way to a delightful guava and candied violet finish. Medium
body is round and balanced with medium acidity. Try pairing with honey
vinegar roast chicken for a marvelous yin-yang of flavor.
$35
ABV 13.9%
Mounts Family Winery
2018 Mounts Viognier Estate, Dry Creek Valley
Unctuous and lush the 2018 Mounts Viognier Estate, Dry Creek Valley is 100% Viognier has texture and presence. 4 days of skin contact before malolatic fermentation lend to its yellow amber color. A lovely bouquet greets the nose with orange peel, musk, honeysuckle and apricot. Great depth and balance with notes of beeswax and layered with favors of orange creamsicle, basil and ripe white peach. Pair with something equal to the flavors, like Pad Thai or Chicken Satay with spicy peanut sauce.
$32
ABV 15%
Pech Merle
2018 Dry Creek Viognier
Straw gold in color, the Pech Merle 2020 Dry Creek Viognier is aged
50/50 in split of oak and stainless. The nose is bright and zesty with
hints of lime and kiwi. The plate offers a generous bounty of ripe and
creamy flavors including pear, peach pie, apricot and orange marmalade. A
trace of bitter almond and pith on the finish gives it texture and
balance. Pair with a spicy Moroccan lamb curry.
$35
ABV 14.1%
Porter Creek Vineyards
2019 Viognier Hayley Marie Vineyard Russian River Valley
In the glass the Porter Creek Vineyards 2019 Viognier is pale yellow
with a sparkle of gold flecks. The nose is a steely peach with a green
apple base note. On the palate initial notes of zesty lime and pith of
mandarin are dominant. Given time to open the wine reveals a subtle
creaminess of pear and peach cobbler. The angular tannins are balanced
by a still tart but creamy finish. Complex and fleshy it’s a sure bet to
pair with a something understated like turkey and a classic chestnut
stuffing.
$36
ABV 14.7%
Thomas George Estates
2018 Viognier Sons and Daughters Ranch Russian River Valley
This Thomas George Estates 2018 Viognier checks all the boxes for a
classic expression of Viognier. Pale yellow green in color, it has a
captivating floral nose of white peach, salted butter, beeswax and honey
caramel. The body is full with a classic rich oily texture. Flavors of
lemon curd, apricot, lime pith and mango pervade with a long easy finish
that’s balanced to the end. Pair with Chicken or Veal Piccata.
$
ABV 13.7%
Williamson Wines
2020 Frolic Viognier Mendocino County
Pale gold color with a tint of green along the rim, the Williamson
2020 Frolic Viognier is aptly named. It practically bounces ad skips in
the glass with a bright lively nose of honeysuckle and orange blossom.
On the palate, apricot and ripe peach balanced with a trace of tart
apple zesty lime. A touch of pith and bitter almond on the finish adds
lift and balances out the equation of acidity and fruit flavors very
nicely. Pair with pan Grilled Salmon or a Panzanella salad.
$34
AVB 14%
