Viognier

Viognier (pronounce that "VEE-ohn-yay") is a little known up and coming wine variety that has its history in the Rhone region in France. From just 8 hectares growing in this region in 1965 to 108 hectares in 2000http://www.enjoyingviognier.com/cgi-bin/viognier.cgi, the wine has become more popular with growers and consumers alike. In fact, it is the most widely planted grape varietal in California, at over 2000 acres.http://www.winepros.org/wine101/grape_profiles/viognier.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viognier#cite_note-Robinson_pg_754-1

Many have tried Viognier Wines without knowing it... as it is often used in blended wines such as Qupe's Bien Nacido Cuvee, which is 50% Viognier, and in other wines to add fragrance or soften the wine.http://www.winepros.org/wine101/grape_profiles/viognier.htm

This white wine pairs well with Mediterranean cuisine, offering fruity flavors such as peaches, apricot, pear, lemon-lime, and at times a honey flavor or even mown hay or anise. Viognier has a sweet smell to it, while having a dry taste, but leaves a fresh feeling after drinking.http://www.sallybernstein.com/beverages/wine/vintnerschoice/viognier.htm

It is strong wine, and one glass will often be enough. Because of the alcohol level, winemakers sometimes leave a residual amount of sugar content. The wine is served young, aging only a few months in oak before bottling, with a few rare exceptions, such as Château Grillet which can be aged up to 20 years.

• Domaine du Monteillet Condrieu

• Yves Cuilleron Les Chaillets Condrieu

• Yalumba Botrytis

• Château Grillet

• more...