This
special and exciting variety has taken California by storm as
evidenced by all of the new acreage. A good Viognier will seduce
one’s senses. The moment the bottle is opened, it offers
up an intense exotic perfume of mayflowers and tropical fruits.
The palate can be overwhelmed by its richness of body and flavor,
which suggests a sweet wine, despite its usual complete dryness.
Viognier is usually made in a dry style and seems to appeal
more to the typical Chardonnay drinker. The distinctive Viognier
perfume holds up even when blended with a large portion of other
grapes. As California wineries experiment with Viognier-Chardonnays,
Viognier-Chenin Blancs, and Viognier-Colombards, this may be
the grape's ultimate destiny, as a blender. Even with little
or no wood aging, Viognier can be as full-bodied as an oaky
Chardonnay, but has much more distinctive fruit character. It
also has a typically deep golden color, as well as rich and
intense flavor.
Because the prime appeal of Viognier is its fresh
and heady aroma, it is a wine that should be consumed young
in most instances.
(Description
courtesy of Professional Friends
of Wine)
