Viognier
Viognier is the hallmark grape variety of the Condrieu AOC. It is also found in Château Grillet, Côte-Rôtie and Côtes-du-Rhône, as well as in many vin de pays or IGP wines from the South of France, where it is frequently made as a single-varietal. Outside France, it can be found in California, sometimes blended with Chardonnay or Chenin, as well as in several European countries, such as Italy and Greece, and in southern-hemisphere wine countries like Australia and South Africa. It is a vigorous and moderately productive variety that should not be pushed too far since high yields inevitably harm its quality. It is always very expressive, producing high-quality, full-bodied wines with a suppleness verging on creaminess, and with great finesse and perfume. It is easily recognised by its aromas of peach and apricot, and sometimes honeysuckle, quince, almond blossom, or hawthorn. Viognier is widely used, for example, by the Guigal estate in several appellation wines, but also by Yves Cuilleron and Georges Vernay or, changing continents, The Sadie Family.
