Tastes likeapricot, peach, honeysuckle, orange blossom, vanilla
Alcohol13.5-15%
Serve at50-55°F (10-13°C)
GlassWhite wine glass
Decant?No
What to payFrom $15; Condrieu $50+
Viognier almost went extinct in the 1960s; now it’s grown worldwide. It makes full, perfumed whites: peachy and floral but usually dry. Virginia has adopted it as a signature grape.
Best food with Viognier
Spicy & AsianIndian curry
Riesling · Gewürztraminer · Viognier
SeafoodLobster
Chardonnay · Champagne · Viognier
PoultryRoast chicken
Chardonnay · Pinot Noir · Gamay (Beaujolais)
Spicy & AsianThai food
Riesling · Sauvignon Blanc · Gewürztraminer
MeatPork
Pinot Noir · Riesling · Chenin Blanc
How it tastes
Apricot, peach and tangerine with honeysuckle and orange blossom. Oily texture, low acidity, fairly high alcohol.
Food it loves
Mild curries (especially with coconut), lobster, roast chicken with apricots, and pork.
Buying tips
Condrieu is the benchmark but pricey. Try Virginia, Paso Robles or southern France for value.
Where it’s grown
Northern Rhône (Condrieu) California Virginia Australia
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Rate itIf you like Viognier, try…
Full-bodied white (oaked) or crisp (unoaked)Chardonnay
yellow apple · lemon · pineapple · butter · vanilla and toast (oak)
Aromatic, rich whiteGewürztraminer
lychee · rose petal · ginger · grapefruit · sweet spice
Medium white, dry to sweetChenin Blanc
quince · yellow apple · honey · chamomile · lanolin