VIOGNIER, A RARE WHITE GRAPE

Following up on my summer posts of perfect wines for hot weather, let me introduce a rare white grape known as Viognier. Though its name is French, this ancient grape originated in Dalmatia, and was later brought to the Rhone region in France by the Romans. Legend has it the name Viognier came from the ancient words “Via Gehennae” meaning “Road to Hell”, as it was a very difficult grape to grow.

Winemakers agree Viognier can be very difficult to grow as it is prone to getting infected with powdery mildew in damp conditions and humid climates. It is important to harvest this grape at its peak of maturity, and if picked too late the wine would lack its perfume, and if too early the grape will not develop the full extent of its aroma.

Viognier has a fantastic, deep yellow color, and produces a wine high in alcohol content especially when grown in warmer environments. Its rich and complex aroma resembles overripe apricots mixed with orange blossoms and acacia and it usually appeals to the Chardonnay drinker. In California, Viognier can also be used as a blend, where winemakers experiment with combinations like Viognier-Chardonnay or Viognier-Chenin Blanc. I prefer the original Viognier as in its aroma; I find a strong personality and individuality, something hard to find in other white wines.

For the first time last year, I tasted a Viognier, at Acacia Winery in Carneros, California (www.acaciavineyard.com). Each year Acacia makes only a small quantity of Viognier, and to my delight the 2008 Acacia Viognier showed a silky richness with tastes of white peach, pineapple, cinnamon and vanilla. I totally fell in love with it!

                                                        Acacia Winery - Carneros, CA.

Earlier this year, I attended the Sandestin Wine Festival in Florida, and had the chance to meet Jamie McManis, the owner of the McManis Family Vineyard, in Ripon, California (http://www.mcmanisfamilyvineyards.com/).

                                                          McManis Family Vineyards, CA.

She offered me a glass of their fantastic 2008 McManis Viognier, and she described it as having a nice acid balance and a clean finish where you can taste the pear, apple and melon flavors with hints of flinty citrus. This is a great wine to enjoy with your girlfriends!

So, for all of you that are mainly red wine lovers, this summer explore the wonderfully complex tastes of the white wines.