California Viognier
California Viognier plantings are growing quickly; most notably in Paso Robles and warmer areas of Mendocino County. There are currently over 2,000 acres of the grape in the state.
Many of these vines are very new and have yet to prove themselves. Unfortunately, some of this acreage may actually be a lesser mutation of the grape. Site selection is critical for the grape to succeed. Clay soils rarely perform well. Less dense, well drained soils seem to be far superior. Viognier is susceptible to mildew and yields are typically less than 4 tons per acre.
Calera is located in the Mount Harlan AVA within Benito County. Always ahead of the curve, owner Josh Jenson makes excellent Viognier. He is best known as a Burgundian trailblazer in California.
The Keehn Family is a major vineyard owner in the McDowell Valley AVA in Mendocino County. This region has a remarkably similar soil profile and climate to the Northern Rhone Valley which is Viognier’s home. They produce quite a bit of Viognier which is vinified by McDowell Valley Vineyards. I particularly like this example. Caymus, Jade Mountain and Alban Vineyards also make excellent Viognier.
