Regional info.

Viognier is a relatively obscure vine, difficult to grow and cultivate (because it is prone to powdery mildew) and capable of only tiny yields, Viognier owes its reputation to the fine wines it produces in the northern Rhone, namely Condrieu and Chateau Grillet. It has a distinct orange blossom and apricot aroma together with a golden yellow colour, huge weight of tropical fruits with a broad weighty structure and quite high in alcohol. It is produced to a lesser extent as a Vin de Pays in the Languedoc and there are also some plantings in California. Its low yields and associated difficulties are unlikely to elevate it to the commercial status.

In France, the Mistral (in the Rhone Valley) and Tramontane (in The Languedoc) has a distinct effect on the Viognier vineyards. The wind tempers the Mediterranean climate of the region, and cools the vines down after the severe heat of summer and protects the vineyards from fungal diseases.

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