Grape · White

Viognier

Moderate climate

About

Richly aromatic, floral white grape. Classic in Condrieu and Château-Grillet (northern Rhône). Low acidity; can feel opulent and heavy without careful winemaking.

Typical profile

Body

Rounded

Acidity

Mellow

Sweetness

Dry

Aromas

What the grape gives up young, and what it grows into with time in bottle.

Young · fresh from the glass

peach apricot honeysuckle violet

Aged · develops with bottle time

vanilla honey almond

Explore aromas

Oak influence

Possible

Growing regions

How the grape expresses across places, grouped by country. Chips call out how a region's style deviates from the grape's default.

Australia

Eden Valley

Aromatic white adding peach and apricot character to Eden Valley blends

France

Languedoc-Roussillon

Makes aromatic, full-bodied whites, often blended with Marsanne and Roussanne

Rhône Valley

The benchmark: opulent, perfumed, with apricot and white flowers. Often with fine lees texture.. Co-fermented with Syrah, adding perfume and stabilizing color. The rarest Viognier AOC, a single-estate producing rich, floral whites

USA

California

Rich, ripe, tropical. Generous fruit with less restraint than Condrieu.

Food pairings

Roasted lobster with saffron butter and fennelPan-seared foie gras with apricot compoteSpice-crusted pork tenderloin with peach chutneyThai green curry with coconut milk and lemongrassGrilled halibut with mango salsa and cilantroHoney-glazed duck confit with lavender and thyme

Similar grapes

Marsanne

peachapricothoneysuckle

Albillo

peachapricothoneysuckle

White Rhone Blend

peachapricothoneysuckle

Northern Rhône White Blend

peachapricothoneysuckle

Gewürztraminer

peachapricot

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Viognier taste like?▼

Viognier is richly aromatic with intense floral notes and flavors of peach, apricot, and violet blossoms when young. It has low acidity and can feel quite opulent and full-bodied, with a distinctive perfumed character that sets it apart from other white wines.

Where does Viognier grow best?▼

Viognier reaches its pinnacle in the northern Rhône Valley, particularly in Condrieu and Château-Grillet where it's the sole grape variety. It thrives in moderate climates where careful winemaking can balance its naturally low acidity and prevent it from becoming too heavy.

What food pairs with Viognier?▼

Viognier's rich, aromatic profile pairs beautifully with spiced dishes, particularly Asian cuisine, creamy sauces, and roasted poultry. Its floral intensity and full body also complement soft cheeses and dishes with herbs like thyme or rosemary.

How does Viognier age?▼

With age, Viognier develops richer, more complex aromas of vanilla, honey, and marzipan as its youthful floral intensity mellows. However, many Viogniers are best enjoyed young to capture their vibrant peach and apricot character before the low acidity leads to premature aging.

Is Viognier similar to other similar grapes?▼

Viognier shares some aromatic intensity with Gewürztraminer and Muscat, but it's more restrained and less overtly spicy. Its combination of rich texture and floral aromatics makes it quite distinctive, though it can sometimes be confused with barrel-aged Chardonnay due to its full body.