24 April is World Viognier Day, proving once again that people will think of any excuse to have a party.
Viognier is a somewhat unassuming grape with a bold character lurking within. Single varietal expressions exhibit an intense waxy body, with a fleshy stonefruit midpalate and overt florals on the nose. This intensity explains why these expressions are so rare, though prestigious; Chateau Grillet is the only 100% Viognier appellation in the Rhone and bottles regularly fetch north of $1500 dollars.
You’ll more frequently encounter Viognier as a minor partner in blends. The Cotes du Rhone appellation allows for white wines featuring a plethora of varietals, although the heroes tend to be Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Rousanne, and a sprinkling of Viognier for good measure. That being said, E Guigal’s Blanc Rhone is 60% Viognier, and occupies a proud spot on our shelf here at Bottle Shock.
Viognier’s versatility is not limited to just White Wines. When co-fermented with that staple of Rhone Reds, Syrah, the wines receive not only a boost of aromatic freshness but also some extra vibrancy of colour. These wines keep their intense colour for longer as well, though you’ll rarely see Viognier mentioned on the label: the grapes will generally make up less than 5% of the blend.
Viognier thrives where the growing season is long and warm, so it is no surprise to see it in such sunny situations as South Africa and Australia. The Barossa Valley has preserved the tradition of cofermentation, with Shiraz-Viognier blends proving remarkably popular here.
You can find some great examples of Viognier and other Rhone blends on the shelf at Bottle Shock, or why not book in to our Viognier Long Lunch on Sunday 26 April? It’s a French Fete you’ll feel foolish to forget.
