Viognier

Viognier is a distinctive variety of grape, celebrated for the aromatic, flavourful wine it produces. It is primarily grown in the Rhône Valley in France, but can also be found in various regions across the globe including Australia, Argentina, California USA and even England. Known for its bold, distinctive quality, Viognier can be rather challenging to cultivate. It is a somewhat temperamental grape, requiring specific conditions to flourish.

The grapes themselves are deep yellow in colour, with a naturally high sugar content. This sweetness translates into quite a powerful, robust wine. The full-bodied nature of Viognier is akin to chardonnay, but its flavour profile is where it truly distinguishes itself. Expect to find floral notes – particularly that of honeysuckle and violet – along with an alluring hint of fruitiness, ranging from ripe apricot to crisp apple, depending on the terroir.

Viognier is infamous for its low acidity, which means it lacks the bite found in some other white wines. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer their wine to be more smooth and rounded. It's also renowned for its creamy, almost luscious texture, which is due to a process called malolactic fermentation.

In terms of pairing, Viognier goes superbly well with spicy foods due to its aromatic, fruity characteristics. It can also be paired with a range of fish and chicken dishes, and is a sublime match with creamy sauces.

Viognier wines can be enjoyed young, but some varieties may benefit from a few years of cellaring to fully develop the complexity of their flavour profiles. However, as with any wine, personal preference always reigns supreme.

Despite its notoriety for being tricky to grow, Viognier is astonishingly unique and represents a remarkably flavoursome and fragrant option for white wine enthusiasts. Besides, a British summer evening is perfectly complemented by a cool glass of gorgeous Viognier, wouldn't you agree?

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