Known for its difficult growing reputation, this delicious little white grape viognier (vee-yohn-yay) has a very persnickety personality. It does not like humidity and hates frost because it’s an early bloomer. This white grape is not your average blonde grape.
This blonde grape demands the perfect growing conditions or it just refuses to cooperate! Viognier grapes must be harvested at their peak of maturity in order to expose their unique aroma and flavor character…but don’t we all want to be harvested at our peak! This grape is only at its best when plucked fully ripe. All this demanding attitude makes Chablis expensive, but well worth it.
Of course, the grape’s family background begins in France with probably a predictable Roman influence. It was once found almost exclusively in the northern Rhône appellations of Condrieu and Château Grillet, but now is finding a new home in California and around the world. This wine is designed to be consumed young and tends to lose its aromas as it ages, so don’t save this one. Drink it!
With touches of peach, violets, and apricots, it tends to be rich, full and aromatic with low acidity levels. Viognier pairs well with spicy cuisine and heavy cheeses.
“I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb…I also know that I’m not blonde.”
-Dolly Parton