100% Viognier

Viognier, the Historic White Grape of the Northern Rhône

Viognier is a white grape from the northern Rhône Valley, long grown on the steep slopes of the right bank, just south of Vienne. Two historic appellations use nothing else: Condrieu and Château-Grillet, a tiny appellation set inside Condrieu. A small share of Viognier can also go into Côte-Rôtie, where it is blended with Syrah in a red wine.

The grape nearly vanished: in the 1960s, only a few hectares were left, almost all of them around Condrieu. Growers began replanting it in the 1980s, first in the Rhône, then in Languedoc. Under EU rules, a label naming a single grape means at least 85% of the wine comes from it; a 100% Viognier contains no other variety.

What Does Viognier Wine Taste Like?

Viognier wine is usually dry, yet its rich aromas can make it seem sweeter than it is. Expect apricot and white flowers on the nose, sometimes a hint of spice. On the palate it is full and round, with acidity that is often on the low side, so its freshness comes from a light, pleasant bitterness on the finish more than from crispness.

That style comes from ripeness. Viognier has to be picked very ripe to show its aromas, which often means fairly high alcohol. Winemakers balance it through harvest timing and aging, in tanks to keep the fruit or in barrels for texture. If you enjoy that richness, round and strong white wines are worth exploring too.

Where Viognier Grows Today, From the Rhône to Languedoc

Viognier has spread far beyond Condrieu. In the Rhône, it goes into white Côtes du Rhône alongside Marsanne, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc, and is bottled on its own under the Collines Rhodaniennes or Ardèche IGP. White wines from the Rhône Valley show both sides, from the granite north to the blends of the south.

Languedoc has made it one of its signature varietal whites, mostly as IGP Pays d’Oc, where the grape name usually appears on the label. White wines from Languedoc give it a warm-climate, often rounder style. You’ll also find it in Provence and Southwest France, and abroad in California and Australia.

How to Serve Viognier and What to Pair It With

Serve Viognier wine at about 50 to 54 °F (10 to 12 °C). Colder, it holds back its aromas; warmer, the roundness takes over and the alcohol shows. A fairly wide white wine glass helps it open up. If the bottle comes straight from the fridge, let it sit on the table for a few minutes.

At the table, Viognier loves dishes with a touch of sweetness or spice. Creamy chicken, a mild curry, an apricot tagine or seared scallops all work well, and so do squash soups: our guide what wine goes with squash soup covers that pairing. Very vinegary dishes are a harder match.

Common Questions About Viognier Wine

Is Viognier wine dry or sweet?

Viognier wine is usually dry, even though its ripe fruit aromas can give an impression of sweetness. A few winemakers also make late-harvest sweet versions, which are much rarer. On the label of a still wine, terms like “dry” or “medium sweet” are optional.

What is the difference between Condrieu and Viognier?

Condrieu is a Viognier wine from a specific appellation in the northern Rhône Valley, recognized in 1940. The appellation requires this single grape, a defined area and capped yields. Elsewhere, Viognier is mostly made as IGP wine. Our guide to the 15 grape varieties to know covers it among the great whites.

How long does Viognier wine last?

Viognier wine is usually drunk within two to three years of the harvest, while its apricot and floral aromas are at their peak. Some Condrieu can age a few years longer. Store bottles on their side, somewhere cool and dark.

If you like Viognier, what other white grapes should you try?

If you like Viognier, try Marsanne and Roussanne, its Rhône neighbors, which also make full-bodied whites. For a similar roundness, look at barrel-aged Chardonnay. For perfume, an Alsace dry Muscat is a good bet.

Where can you buy 100% Viognier wine direct from the winemaker?

You can buy 100% Viognier wine direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. Every bottle is shipped by the producer who made it, with no middleman.

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