Viognier: Origins and Characteristics of This Grape Variety

How can one not be charmed by the aromatic richness of a white wine made from Viognier? If you still have doubts, we invite you to take a whiff of a glass of Condrieu. Simply magical! Once rare, this essential grape variety from the Northern Rhône Valley has now become widespread throughout southern France, offering wines with unbeatable value for money! Follow our guide to discover everything you need to know about Viognier, including its history, aromatic characteristics, and appellations. You’ll also find our top tips for perfect food and wine pairings with Viognier-based white wines.

Description and Origins of Viognier

Originating from the Alps, Viognier is a descendant of Freisa (an Italian grape from Piedmont) and, therefore, a cousin of the famous red Nebbiolo. Cultivated in the Northern Rhône Valley for centuries, Viognier is a white grape variety with a turbulent history. In fact, we’re fortunate to enjoy this grape today because, not long ago, it nearly disappeared! Having suffered the full impact of the phylloxera crisis and World War I, only about ten hectares of Viognier remained in the world by the 1960s. Fortunately, thanks to its complex and unique aromatic profile, Viognier gradually made a comeback and is now grown on all five continents.

The Main Terroirs Where Viognier is Grown in France

In France, Viognier is the emblematic grape of the Northern Rhône Valley, particularly in the prestigious and exclusive AOC Condrieu and AOC Château-Grillet appellations. It can even be blended with Syrah in AOC Côte-Rôtie red wines. For the past thirty years, it has also been popular in southern France, mainly in Languedoc-Roussillon (AOP Duché d'Uzès), the Southern Rhône Valley, and Provence. However, since it’s not a traditional grape variety in these regions, Viognier wines are often produced outside of controlled appellations (under IGP or Vin de France labels). Beyond France, Viognier is also cultivated in Italy, the United States (California), Chile, Australia, and South Africa.

Aromatic Characteristics of Viognier

Vinified as a single-varietal wine in the iconic AOC Condrieu and AOC Château-Grillet appellations, Viognier can also be blended with other grape varieties, adding its rich aromatic palette to the mix. While Viognier is primarily vinified as a dry (or semi-dry) white wine, you may occasionally find a small proportion of Viognier in rosé or even red wines (as in AOC Côte-Rôtie, for example).

Characteristics of Viognier in Dry White Wine:

• Appearance: A deep straw-yellow color.

• Nose: Highly expressive, Viognier exudes aromas of apricot, peach, and flowers (orange blossom, violet, rose, white flowers).

• Palate: Rich and creamy, the palate confirms the nose’s aromas with a subtle bitterness on the finish. Low in acidity, Viognier-based dry white wines are generally best enjoyed in their youth.

The Best Food and Wine Pairings with Viognier

Discover our tips for perfect food and wine pairings with dry white wines made from Viognier:

• As an aperitif or with grilled fish: Treat yourself to a bottle of dry white wine from an IGP Pays d’Oc estate or a Viognier from Languedoc. These dry white wines, with their aromas of honey, peach, apricot, and flowers, are crowd-pleasers and pair beautifully with all your summer seafood recipes.

• To elevate foie gras, lobster, or fine Bresse poultry: Choose a rich, oak-aged Viognier from an AOC Condrieu estate or the Rhône Valley. These complex, creamy dry white wines develop intense notes of apricot, peach, honey, vanilla, and toasted nuances that pair wonderfully with many gourmet dishes.

• For an adventurous tasting experience: Opt for a unique Viognier-based white wine from a lesser-known domaine or château. In this case, a Vin de France bottle is ideal! With its more flexible regulations, this designation includes many bold and colorful cuvées that offer a fresh take on the grape variety. A true breath of freedom!

Feeling inspired to open a bottle of Viognier? At Avenue des Vins, we offer white, red, rosé wines, and champagne sourced directly from the estate or château of your choice. In our online store, each estate is carefully selected, and our wines are available for home delivery. Whether you choose a Viognier-based dry white wine or any other variety, discover our wines at the best price!