Viognier

In the late 1960s there were just 35 acres of Viognier planted in the world, however in the 70s Australia and California took the grape on and the rest, as they say, is history. Viognier very much falls in the ‘aromatic’ category, and is a grape that is known to produce wines that are packed full of flavour. This is also a grape variety that has a wide range of uses; though predominantly used for white wine production, on Côte Rotie, it’s actually blended with Syrah to make red wines.
 
What am I getting?
Without a doubt, Viognier is a full-bodied wine. Though best known for its distinct tangerine, peach and floral (think honeysuckle) aromas, the fact that it’s grown worldwide mean that its characteristics vary according to climate. Typically, Viognier is a dry wine, however some producers edge towards an off-dry (slightly sweet) style, in order to better compliment those peachy aromas. These wines are also amenable to oaking, which can give them delicious creamy, vanilla notes and a pretty unbeatable silky texture.
 
What can I drink it with?
To get this right, you really need to take into account Viognier’s delicate floral nature…and also the fact it doesn’t have a terribly high acidity. So, your solution comes in form of foods that aren’t too bold, and that have an equally mild acidity. Think roast chicken with some soft Moroccan spices, and maybe a nicely perfumed rice dish on the side. If that’s not for you then fish also works; poached salmon, shellfish etc. 
 
I want it!
Well then have a look at these bad boys...
Let’s not go crazy…
Abbotts & Delaunay Viognier 2017 (dry, France) £9.99 per bottle
All out!
Condrieu 2016 E. Guigal (off-dry, France) £45.99 per bottle