CA Wines ›

Written by Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein

Viognier is a rare and idiosyncratic grape. Its flavors are at once exotic and provocative. It makes a wine with unique characteristics, combining the structure of the best Chardonnay with the freshness of Sauvignon Blanc and a bouquet offering aromatic, perfumed notes worthy of a great Gewürztraminer. I once asked a California vintner why we do not see more of this striking grape on store shelves and in restaurants. He chuckled and replied that it was a royal pain to make: it doesn't set a reliable or predictable crop; it ripens slowly, which makes it susceptible to deer and birds; and many winemakers don't really understand it. Oh, is that all? Fortunately for wine lovers, enough winemakers in the Golden State, and around the globe, remain steadfast in their desire to vinify this delicious grape variety into wine.

0.54%

Total vineyard/wine grape plantings in California
2,555 acres

Bearing and non-bearing area in California

0.54%

Total vineyard/wine grape plantings in California
1,034 hectares

Bearing and non-bearing area in California

(Year end 2020)

Signature Styles & Characteristics

Although any grape can be interpreted in innovative and at times, outlying styles, the following chart/graphic represents the preponderance of what you will find California’s winemakers producing.

Dryness/Residual Sugar

Viognier: 35 percent on a scale from Dry to of Dryness/Residual Sugar.
Acid (Potential)

Viognier: 75 percent on a scale from Low to High of Acid (Potential).
Alcohol (Potential)

Viognier: 100 percent on a scale from Low to High of Alcohol (Potential).
Body (weight on palate)

Viognier: 100 percent on a scale from Light to Full of Body (weight on palate).
Texture

Viognier: 100 percent on a scale from Round, smooth, and creamy (still) to of Texture.

Aromas/Flavors

Influenced by climate, terroir, clonal selection, and winemaking.

Fruit and Vegetable

Lemon, lime, citrus zest, pear skin, peach or peach skin, nectarine, apricot, tangerine, marmalade, yellow plum, blood orange, golden apple, candied citrus, marmalade, blond tobacco, white tea.
Floral

Citrus blossom, violet, narcissus, wildflower, honeysuckle, gardenia, acacia, tea, musk.
Earth

Petroleum, mineral, stone
Wood (Oak)

Vanilla, almond, nougat, toast
Other

Star anise, sweet cream/condensed milk, honey, plain yogurt, pink peppercorn, cardamom.