The Wine Reference🍷 SupportViognier grape
Viognier is a white grape known for peach, apricot, honeysuckle. Its best-known homes are Rhône.
Origin and history
An ancient grape of the northern Rhône; by the late 1960s only around 14 hectares survived, mostly in Condrieu.
Where it grows
Northern Rhône (Condrieu, Château-Grillet), Languedoc, California, Virginia, Australia (Eden Valley, Barossa), South Africa and Chile.
Structure
Full body, low acidity and often high alcohol; usually dry with an oily, viscous texture.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: apricot, peach, honeysuckle, violet and ginger. With age: honey, dried apricot and spice, though it can lose its perfume.
Ageing
Best young, usually within 1–4 years; a few top Condrieu and Château-Grillet wines last 8–10 years.
Good to know
In Côte-Rôtie up to 20% Viognier may be co-fermented with Syrah, lifting the red's aroma and fixing its colour.
Wine regions for Viognier
Viognier wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Delas Frères Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc
Rhône Valley · Côtes du Rhône · Grenache Blanc, Viognier
Fresh southern Rhône white with peach and white flowers.
Food: Chicken, salads
Jean-Luc Jamet Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc
Rhône Valley · Côtes du Rhône · Viognier, Roussanne
Northern Rhône grower white: apricot, flowers and texture.
Food: Pork, fish
Château de Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel Blanc
Rhône Valley · Côtes du Rhône · Marsanne, Viognier, Bourboulenc, Clairette
Rich Rhône white: stone fruit, honeysuckle and almond.
Food: Roast chicken, bouillabaisse
Delas Frères Condrieu La Galopine
Rhône Valley · Condrieu · Viognier
Perfumed Condrieu: apricot, violet and a rich, smooth finish.
Food: Asian dishes, lobster
Mas de Daumas Gassac Réserve de Gassac Blanc
Languedoc-Roussillon · Pays de l'Hérault · Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier
Fresh, aromatic Languedoc white blend.
Food: Salads, fish
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia
Tuscany · Toscana IGT · Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier
Ornellaia's white: aromatic, fresh and gently textured.
Food: Fish, pasta
Lismore Estate Vineyards The Age of Grace Viognier
Cape South Coast · Viognier
Fresh, elegant Viognier: apricot and blossom with restraint.
Food: Curry, pork
E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Turque
Rhône Valley · Côte-Rôtie · Syrah, Viognier
One of Guigal's 'La La' single vineyards: opulent and spicy.
Food: Venison, beef
E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Mouline
Rhône Valley · Côte-Rôtie · Syrah, Viognier
Perfumed, silky 'La La' from the Côte Blonde.
Food: Lamb, duck
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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