Viognier: Back to Winemaking – Back to Grapes – Back to Countries
Top thirteen grapes:
Reds – Cabernet Franc – Cabernet Sauvignon – Malbec – Merlot –
Whites – Chardonnay – Gewürztraminer – Muscat –
Pinot blanc – Pinot gris – Riesling – Sauvignon blanc
Next twenty-five grapes:
Reds – Barbera – Carignan – Gamay – Grenache – Mourvèdre – Petit Verdot –
Sangiovese – Tannat – Tempranillo – Touriga Nacional – Zweigelt
Whites – Albariño – Aligoté – Arinto – Chenin blanc – Malvasia –
Müller-Thurgau – Muscat-Ottonel – Sémillon – Tămâioasă Românească –
Traminer – Ugni-blanc – Viognier – Welschriesling
– and Cava
| Viognier: This is the only permitted grape for the French wine Condrieu in the Rhône Valley. The origin of the grape is unknown; it is presumed to be an ancient grape, originating in Dalmatia (present day Croatia) and then brought to the Rhône by the Romans. The origin of the name is also obscure, some saying it derives from the city of Vienne, which had been a major Roman outpost.  Image source: praisewines.com |
Taste/smell: This varietal has more natural aromatics than Chardonnay – this white wine includes notes of apricots, peaches and pears; honeysuckle, jasmine, lemons, lily of the valley and violets; minerality.  Image source: stagsleap.com Varieties/Mutations There are three certified Viognier clones (in France). In 2004, DNA profiling at UC Davis showed it was closely related to the Piedmont grape Freisa, and to be a genetic cousin of Nebbiolo. It is either a grandparent or half-sibling of Syrah. DNA analyses in 2008, showed there is a parent-offspring relationship with Mondeuse Blanche. | Description: A wine that is relatively low in acidity and high in alcohol.  Image source: glossary.wein.plus Produces round-shaped berries. The tip of the young shoot has a medium to high density of prostrate hairs. Young leaves are green with slightly bronze spots, Adult leaves are small to medium, circular, light-to-medium green , with three or five lobes and medium teeth. The lower side on the leaves has a low to medium density of erect and prostrate hairs.  Image source: fps.ucdavis.edu |
| Viognier producing countries: Big Five Producers: (overall 42% of vineyards, 64% of wine production and 41% of wine consumption – OIV 2022) Spain: some France: Côte-Rôtie, Languedoc, Rhône Italy: not detected USA: California, Long Island NY, Virginia Chile: some Next Ten Largest Producers: (with big five, responsible overall for 75% of vineyards, 88% of wine production, 64% of wine consumption – OIV 2022) Argentina: Alma Negra, Diamandes, Lagarde, Las Perdices, Piedra Negra, Australia: Adelaide Hills, Grampians, Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley China: not detected Germany: Pfalz India: not detected New Zealand: Hawke’s Bay, Waiheke Island, Wairau Valley Portugal: some Romania: some South Africa: Cape Winelands, Overburg Turkey: some Others countries: Austria, Brazil, Canada, Czechia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Malta, Moldova, Switzerland, Thailand, Uruguay | Grape is also known as: Barbin, Bergeron, Galopine, Greffou, Petit Viognier, Petiti Vionnier, Picotin blanc, Rebelot, Viogné, Viogner, Viognier Bijeli, Viognier Blanc, Viognier Jaune, Viognier Vert, Vionjer, Vionnier, Vionnier Jaune, Vionnier Petit, Vionnier Vert, Vugava bijela |
Image source: tablascreek.com
Viognier: Back to Winemaking – Back to Grapes – Back to Countries
Top thirteen grapes:
Reds – Cabernet Franc – Cabernet Sauvignon – Malbec – Merlot –
Whites – Chardonnay – Gewürztraminer – Muscat –
Pinot blanc – Pinot gris – Riesling – Sauvignon blanc
Next twenty-five grapes:
Reds – Barbera – Carignan – Gamay – Grenache – Mourvèdre – Petit Verdot –
Sangiovese – Tannat – Tempranillo – Touriga Nacional – Zweigelt
Whites – Albariño – Aligoté – Arinto – Chenin blanc – Malvasia –
Müller-Thurgau – Muscat-Ottonel – Sémillon – Tămâioasă Românească –
Traminer – Ugni-blanc – Viognier – Welschriesling
– and Cava
