The 'hottest' of the Rhône Valley trio, which includes Marsanne and Roussanne, Viognier is one of those relatively rare varieties which have been 'discovered' and now everyone wants a slice of the action.

Rippling out from the small appellation of Condrieu and the even tinier one of Château Grillet, the aromatic, powerful viognier with its hallmark blossom scents and apricot and peach-like flavours, has become the darling of Californians, and, latterly Argentina, Australia and the South of France too. It makes powerfully rich, dry whites made for drinking young, offering a delicious alternative style to Chardonnay.

  • peaches and apricots
  • heady scents of jasmine

Written by

Decanter Staff
Decanter Staff
Decanter Team

Content written and compiled by the Decanter Team