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Aromatic, expressive and elegantly bold: Viognier continues to win fans with its distinctive floral and stone-fruit profile. From jasmine and honeysuckle to ripe peach, apricot and tropical tones, this Rhône native brings richness and allure to the glass, offering a fuller-bodied yet fragrant alternative to Chardonnay.

While Viognier traces its roots to the Rhône Valley in France, its reach today spans continents – thriving in terroirs as diverse as Australia’s Yarra Valley, Canada’s British Columbia, and Brazil’s high-altitude Serra da Mantiqueira.

At the 2024Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA),Viognier once again proved its global versatility, with top medals awarded to wines from both classic and unexpected regions. From cool-climate elegance to opulent Southern expressions, here are 10 award-winning Viogniers to try this International Viognier Day.

Top award-winning wines of DWWA 2024

Australia

Soumah, Equilibrio, Yarra Valley, Victoria 2023

Silver, 94 points

100% Viognier

Beautifully perfumed with apricot, peach and spice, a palate of lush nectarine, yellow peach and bright lemon. Alcohol 14.3%

Yalumba, The Virgilius, Eden Valley, South Australia 2022

Silver, 93 points

100% Viognier

Lime blossom, green melon and candied grapefruit on the nose, a touch of spice and honey on the palate. Alc 13.5%

Brazil

Casa Geraldo, Colheita de Inverno Gran Reserva, Serra da Mantiqueira NV

Silver, 93 points

100% Viognier

Perfumed and expressive with a beautiful purity of fruit, refined and elegant. Lovely jasmine nose with peach and nectarine. Refreshing and saline. Alc 14%

Canada

Blasted Church Vineyards, Bible Thumper, Skaha Bench, British Columbia 2022

Silver, 92 points

100% Viognier

Toasty character on the nose with aromatic peach and tangerine aromas, hints of mango skin and cantaloupe. Long and refreshing. Alc 12.5%

France

Delas Frères, Clos Boucher, Condrieu, Rhône 2022

Gold, 95 points

100% Viognier

Crystal clear aromatics of white flower, melon and peach which radiate onto the billowing, satin texture, with supple oak to nurture and a generous length. Alc 14.5%

Domaine Martin Clerc, Côte Bellay, Condrieu, Rhône 2022

Gold, 95 points

100% Viognier

Unfurling with gentle scents of jasmine, melon, apricot and peach, the lustrous, silky palate exudes class and elegance. Juicy and persistent with almond notes at the end. Alc 13.5%

Gérard Bertrand, Héritage An940 Bio, IGP Pays d’Oc, Languedoc-Roussillon 2023

Value Gold, 95 points

100% Viognier

Delightfully complex with lip-smacking nectarine, red apple and mango with a hint of lush lemon curd. Viscous and fleshy with wet-stone salinity on the long finish. Alc 13.5%

Domaine Martin Clerc, Condrieu, Rhône 2022

Silver, 93 points

100% Viognier

Complex nose of acacia, melon, peach and honey. Well integrated oak on the palate with vanilla and spice on the long, lovely finish. Alc 13.5%

Roland Grangier, Les Combéluz, Condrieu 2022

Silver, 92 points

100% Viognier

Apricot, peach, jasmine and white pepper nose. Lively and fresh mouth-feel in an elegant, very drinkable style. Alc 14%

Spain

Clos D’Agon, Fermentado en Barrica, Catalunya 2022

Silver, 92 points

100% Viognier

Warm aromas of vanilla and coconut, with notes of stone and tropical fruits on the nose. Generous texture, lengthy finish. Alc 13%

See all DWWA 2024 award-winning Viognier wines

Lilla O'Connor
Lilla O'Connor

Lilla O'Connor, a native Hungarian whose family owned a smallholding vineyard at Lake Balaton, was instrumental in re-establishing the presence of quality Hungarian wines in the UK. She is an advocate for the importance of old vine heritage in the contemporary renaissance of Hungarian wine. Lilla is an independent consultant at lillaoconnor.com, contributed to the launch of Steven Spurrier’s Académie du Vin Library publishing initiative, and worked for Jancis Robinson. She is a regular wine judge and an Old Vine Ambassador for The Old Vine Conference.