Viognier
The Viognier grape originated in the Rhone Valley of France and is used throughout the world to make full-bodied, aromatic white wines that are noted for their florals. The most famous region in the world for Viognier is Condrieu in the Northern Rhone Valley. In the Sierra Foothills, Viognier, like all Rhone varieties, thrives in the warm Mediterranean climate and granitic soils. The cooling influences help maintain the acidity level which can in some climates drop too rapidly.
FOOTHILLS WINO VIOGNIER OF THE YEAR
$23
This up-and-coming winery with a beautiful tasting room in Sutter Creek has produced an amazingly bright and unique Viognier from its estate vineyard in Fiddletown (an Amador county AVA just southwest of the Shenandoah Valley). The wine is designed to highlight its aromatics of mixed stone fruit and florals that include peonies and hyacinths. The palate surprises with an unexpected roundness that is pleasantly disconcerting. Refreshing acidity carries the flavor through a lingering finish.
TOP SIX FOOTHILLS VIOGNIERS
$25
Fresh picked nectarines, Carabao mangoes, gardenias, and magnolia flowers highlight the aromas of this amazing Viognier. A lemon-lime tart expresses itself on a well-balanced palate full of acidity… simply a beautiful wine.
$24
White peaches, green apples, daffodils, and lilacs fill the nose. The palate nods and winks at biscuits and cream and then gives way to a smooth, long, mineral-driven finish.
$24
This Condrieu-style Viognier is a testament to complexity. It checks every varietal box with peaches, apricots, honeysuckle, sweet baking spices, and buttery pie crust. On the palate a creamy texture coats the mouth.
90 Points
$25
Fresh white nectarine, cantaloupe, and intriguing florals delight the nose and then refreshing acidity fills the palate where bread, cheese, and minerality come forward.
$26
French vanilla ice cream and sweet spices come to the fore in the delicious Viognier from Miraflores in Pleasant Valley. This Viognier is made in a heavier style than most. Stone fruit and white flowers hide cleverly in the crevices.