Varietal of the Month: Viognier

 

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. Depending on the style, California Viognier can walk the line between a warm climate Riesling and a traditional Chardonnay.  Pronounced [Vee-ohn-yay]

 

Frick 2021 Viognier Estate Gannon Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Frick 2021 Viognier Estate Gannon Vineyard from Dry Creek Valley comes alive in the glass with a bright lively nose of honeysuckle and orange blossom. On the palate, tart apricot and juicy ripe peach with fresh zesty lime. A touch of almond and beeswax adds lift and balance to the lovely dry and slightly salty, yet fruity finish. Pair with a simple charcuterie board of creamy cheeses and let the wine take the spotlight.

 

ABV 15.0%

$29

Mounts Family Winery Verah 2021 Viognier Dry Creek Valley

 

Verah means Faith in Russian, and this Mounts Family Winery 2021 Verah Viognier from Dry Creek Valley will make you a believer in Viognier!  All the earmarks of a classic Viognier starting with the floral notes of lemon, honeysuckle, peach along with beeswax and caramel; to the pleasing full body and vicious oily mouthfeel. Great balance and long finish with notes of caramel, peach, and lemon peel. Pair with Panzanella salad or Grilled Peach salad.

 

ABV 15.0%

$

 

Carol Shelton Wild Thing 2021 Viognier Placer County

 

Carol Shelton’s 2021 Wild Thing Viognier from Placer County mirrors its striking label of a vine in bloom with a wine of great zest and vitality. On the nose notes of citrus, rose water, honeysuckle, white peach and honeydew melon fill the glass. On the palate bright and tangy flavors of pineapple, tangerine, melon and a grounding note of crushed gravel that ties it all together. (Much like how the Dude’s rug in The Big Lebowski tied the room together!) Great weight and balance with nice seamless finish. Pair with Honey Walnut Brie crostini or Pad Thai. 

 

ABV13.5%

$22

Trattore 2020 Estate Viognier Dry Creek Valley 

 

The Trattore 2020 Estate Viognier from Dry Creek Valley was fermented half in barrel and half in tank, which gives it both bright and plush elements. On the nose scents of orange blossom, peach, nectarine and a clean fresh note of beeswax. On the palate, great viscosity and weight with beeswax and creamy mango, followed by a light note of ginger and almond on the finish. Balanced and rich, pair try pairing with creamy polenta and 5 Spice roast chicken.

 

ABV 14.4%

$42

West Wines 2020 Viognier Dry Creek Valley

 

The West Wine 2020 Viognier form Dry Creek Valley is dry yet juicy and full of flavor. On the nose bright notes of pineapple, peach, caramel and lime zest. On the palate good acidity and bright clean flavors of citrus and pineapple. Wonderful overall balance with a soft note of honeysuckle and caramelized pears on the finish. Pair with something spicy and rich like grilled ginger prawns.

 

ABV 13.0%

$34

 

Robert Young 2020 Viognier Alexander Valley

 

The Robert Young 2020 Viognier from Alexander Valley opens with notes of white peach, honeysuckle and honeydew melon on the nose. On the palate initial notes of lime and lemon give way to plush and creamy peach. Nice medium weight and balance with pleasing notes of beeswax and caramel on the long seamless finish. Pair with Chicken and Spicy Mango salsa. 

 

ABV 14.1%

$38.00