Viognier Frequently Asked Questions and Facts
What is Viognier?
Viognier is a white wine, which originated from France's Northern Rhône region of Condrieu. Viognier wine is made from white wine grapes of the same name. Prior to the late 1980s, Viognier was hardly known outside of this region, but after a surge in popularity, it spread to vineyards across the globe.
To help our fellow wine drinkers better understand and appreciate this white varietal, we've collected the most frequently asked questions and some useful facts about Viognier here.
Is Viognier sweet?
No. Viognier is dry.
No. Viognier is dry.
Is Viognier the same as Sauvingon Blanc?
No, they are not the same. Viognier and Sauvingon Blanc come from two different grape varieites and each have distinct flavor profiles. The two wines are only similar in the sense that they are both dry white wines.
No, they are not the same. Viognier and Sauvingon Blanc come from two different grape varieites and each have distinct flavor profiles. The two wines are only similar in the sense that they are both dry white wines.
Is Viognier similar to Chardonnay?
Yes. Viognier and Chardonnay are both white wines; but have very different flavor profiles. Viognier is sweeter, with more floral notes, so it's unlikely you could ever confuse the two.
What color is Viognier wine?
Viognier is technically a white (or "blanc") wine, but the grapes and wine itself have a yellow color.
Viognier is technically a white (or "blanc") wine, but the grapes and wine itself have a yellow color.
How do you pronounce "Viognier"?
There are two acceptable pronunciations for Viognier: vee-ON-yay and vee-OWN-yay. The simplest way to remember the pronunciation is to ignore the "G" and "R."
What foods does Viognier pair with?
Viognier pairs well with creamy, buttery cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Gouda and Gorgonzola. Viognier pairs with rich and creamy poultry and fish dishes; like monkfish, and creamy spicy dishes. We also recommend seafood, shellfish, chicken, veal pork, and anything spicy. For nuts, Viognier goes well with macadamias, almonds, or cashews.
Does Viognier pair with turkey?
Much like a Chardonnay, Viognier pairs perfectly with turkey.
Where are Viognier grapes grown?
Viognier grapes are grown all over the world. They're grown in France, California and Oregon in the United States, and in South America they're found in Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. They're also grown in Israel, South Africa, as well as Australia and New Zealand.
How long can you cellar Viognier?
Viognier should be consumed within 3 years of purchase.
Viognier should be consumed within 3 years of purchase.
Is Viognier sweet or dry?
Viognier is a dry wine.
What does Viognier smell like?
Viognier boasts beautiful aromas that include peaches, apricots, honeysuckle, tangerines, and gingerbread.
How many calories are in a glass of Viognier?
Between 153-173 calories per 6 ounce serving.
What is the ABV (alcohol by volume) of Viognier?
Viognier's ABV ranges from 12-14%
Where does the name "Viognier" come from?
Unfortunately, both the name and origin of Viognier grapes are unknown. They were popularized after being transplanted to Southern France.
What does Viognier taste like?
Viognier ranges in taste from lighter flavors of tangerine, mango and honeysuckle to creamier aromas of vanilla with spices of nutmeg and clove. Depending on the producer and how it's made, it will range in intensity from light and spritzy with a touch of bitterness to bold and creamy.
Tips for serving Viognier
Viognier should be served slightly cooler than room temperature, at around 52 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius). If chilled in a refrigerator, the wine will be too cold, and you'll be unable to taste the Viognier's rich flavors.
What wines are comparable to a Viognier?
Chenin Blanc, Vermentino, and Chardonnay.
Thanks for reading, we hope you learned a lot!