Aromatic Viognier has characteristic aromas and flavours of white blossom, jasmine and stone fruits, and with a powerful and rich body, it offers a delicious alternative to Chardonnay.
Originating from the Rhône Valley, plantings of Viognier can be found globally from Italy and France to Greece, Australia and even Brazil.
Results from the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) attest with countries from around the world awarded medals for varietal Viognier wines, including a Value Gold win for Amitié, Viognier, Serra Gaúcha 2022 from Brazil, described as ‘appealing and refreshing’ with attractive nuances of ripe stone fruit, white roses, orange blossom.
This International Viognier Day, discover a range of award-winning Viognier wines from around the world with these DWWA 2023 medal winners.
Viognier: Top-scoring wines to discover
Australia
Soumah, Equilibrio Viognier, Yarra Valley, Victoria 2021
Gold, 95 points
Scented nose, showing notes of white chocolate, lemon curd, white peaches, lychees and white flowers. Rounded texture, with very intense flavours and persistent finish. Alcohol 14%
Miles From Nowhere, Best Blocks Viognier , Margaret River, Western Australia 2022
Silver, 93 points
Fresh, bright and citrusy aromas with subtle scents of flowers. Succulent palate framed by a beautiful acidity and some herbal notes. Alc 14%
Brazil
Amitié, Viognier, Serra Gaúcha 2022
Value Gold, 95 points
Floral on the nose, showing attractive nuances of ripe stone fruit, white roses, orange blossom and subtle spices. A solid example, appealing and refreshing. Alc 13%
France
Domaine Martin Clerc, Condrieu, Rhône 2020
Gold, 95 points
Fragrant, displaying scents of jasmine, golden apples, apricots, tangerine and nuances of white truffle and beeswax. Delicate on the palate, harmonious with a mouthwatering acidity. Alc 13.5%
Maison Castel, Séries Limitées Chap. Ill Au Delà De La Brume, Condrieu, Rhône 2021
Gold, 95 points
Pure peach, tangerine and apricot fruit aromas framed by toasted sweet vanilla bean, with a glossy bitter orange peel texture and zesty zing of acidity. Long and exceptional. Alc 14%
Les Vignes De L Arque, Confidentiel, Duché d’Uzès, Rhône 2021
Gold, 95 points
Lavishly decorated with honeysuckle, nectarine, mango and melon with a touch of textured oak; shapely and full with a long, accomplished finish. A baby Hermitage! Alc 13%
Château Montplaisir, Éclats, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Rhône 2021
Silver, 93 points
Fresh and appealing nose, with tangy nectarine and mango fruit. Creamy palate, showing richness and a lovely long finish. Alc 13%
Greece
Ktima Gerovassiliou, Viognier , Epanomi, Macedonia 2022
Silver, 93 points
This is perfumed with honeysuckle and exotic fruits. It has a grapefruit palate and a persistent apricot- and mineral-tinged finish. Alc 13.5%
Italy
Madonna del Latte, Barrique Viognier, Umbria, Umbria 2021
Silver, 93 points
Rich, stone fruit with a floral style, balanced by good acidity. Evolves in the glass and very classy, not showy. Alc 14%
New Zealand
Marisco Vineyards, The Craft Series ‘The Exemplar’ Viognier, Waihopai Valley, Marlborough 2021
Silver, 93 points
Distinctive apricot, peach and floral spice with a satin texture, a ripe acidity and a deliciously fresh finish. Alc 14%
