Celebrating the Voluptuous Viognier!

It should come as no surprise, that as being champions for the wines of the Rhone valley, we are huge fans of the Viognier. Exclusively, responsible for the tantalizingly luscious and prestigious wines of Condrieu, with the right care and management, Viognier can produce beautifully aromatic and beguiling wines from grapes grown in the right terroirs from other corners of the vinous globe too. Although sadly, there are many examples that fall short.

Indeed, the Viognier is not an easy variety to cultivate and vinify. Favouring granite soils, it requires a warm, long growing season to achieve the correct balance between ripeness and aromatics. If the temperatures are too hot, the grapes will ripen, before they have been able to develop their beautiful, aromatic qualities. The correct harvest date is also crucial. As the variety is low in acidity, there may be a temptation to pick early to retain acidity. However, it is essential to pick at optimum ripeness. If harvested too early, then once again, the Viognier will not have been able to fully develop its aromatics. If picked too late however, the wine will be flabby, oily and lack perfume and freshness. Careful handling is also required at vinification, as the grape is susceptible to oxidation, which also lead to loss of aromas. When grown in the right terroir, climate and conditions and skilfully and meticulously handled, the charms of the Viognier are irresistible.

We are delighted to offer the mixed case below of three excellent examples of Viognier from the exceptional producers, two from the grape’s homeland of the northern Rhone and the third from the ‘Rhone enclave’, of Cortona in Tuscany.  From one of the most highly esteemed domaines of Cote Rotie and Condrieu, Jean-Michel Gerin, produce a wonderfully refined example of Viognier with a fine balance of the aromatic fruit and minerality. The incredibly talented, Sylvain Gauthier of Domaine Pierres-Seches in St. Joseph, produces a slightly more opulent, luscious, seamless, but beautifully balanced Viognier. Finally, from Cortona, we have Fabrizio Dionisio’s, special micro-cuvee, the Linfa Viognier, which has wonderful purity, energy and finesse.

Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin 2022 VdF ‘La Champine Viognier

Producing two of the finest wines of Condrieu, Gerin’s expertise and understanding of the variety shone through in this wonderfully refined Vin de France. The bouquet is fresh and vibrant with lovely pure aromatics – expressive  but restrained, with peach fruits, violets and honeysuckle. Dry on the palate with fabulous purity again. Silky in texture with delicious ripe, white peach fruits, lovely minerality and super balance of acidity. Refined and focussed.

Domaine des Pierres Sèches 2021 IGP Ardèche ‘Viognier’

Produced from a vineyard in Secheras, at an altitude of 400 metres. Wonderfully pure bouquet, with fresh, ripe peach fruits. Lovely intensity and gras on the palate, with delicately honeyed, luscious peach and apricot fruits. Lovely tension and life on the palate with a refreshing balance of acidity. An impressive, accessible and elegant Viognier.

Fabrizio Dionisio 2022 IGT Toscana Bianco ‘Linfa’ Viognier

Matured on the lees in a combination of cement and oak barrels, this beautiful wine boasts a rich aromatic bouquet typical of the variety, featuring both fruity and floral notes. It is characterised by tropical aromas of white flowers, banana, peach, apricot, and mango, along with hints of citrus peel, star anise, cardamom, gooseberry, and sage. On the palate, this Viognier offers a full-bodied, velvety texture with a perfect balance of acidity and savoury nuance. This delicious white wine seamlessly combines the rich aromatic profile of the Viognier grape with crisp acidity, minerality with remarkable life and energy. It is not merely a summer delight but a versatile white, suitable for enjoyment year-round and an ideal complement to rich and spicy dishes.

THE VOLUPTUOUS VIOGNIER SIX BOTTLE MIXED CASE CONTAINING TWO BOTTLES EACH OF –

Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin 2022 VdF ‘La Champine Viognier

Domaine des Pierres Sèches 2021 IGP Ardèche ‘Viognier’

Fabrizio Dionisio 2022 IGT Toscana Bianco ‘Linfa’ Viognier