European Viognier
Viognier is an ancient European wine grape. It has traditionally been grown in the Northern Rhone Valley of France, but was probably brought there from Dalmatia by the Romans.
Within the Rhone Valley, the grape’s specific home is the breathtaking Condrieu Appellation. Vineyards are planted on steep, terraced hillsides and are very difficult to cultivate. Retaining walls are necessary to keep the sandy and granitic soil in place.
The best of these wines have unbelievably rich floral aromas and apricot flavors. These aromas can be so pronounced that they can give a sensation of sweetness even in bone dry versions.
The grape is often blended with Syrah in the Cote-Rotie Appellation. The name of the region translates to “roasted slope.” It imparts strong floral aromas and tropical fruit flavors into these renowned wines.
Chateau-Grillet is both a winery and the smallest appellation in France. They are a leading producer of Viognier in the Rhone Valley. The grape is also grown in Languedoc-Roussillon, Piedmont, and Spain.
