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Vyne
Wine Bible

Grape · Northern Rhône, France

Viognier

vee-oh-NYAY

Apricot, jasmine, oil

Wine grapes on the vine
Wine grapes on the vine

Condrieu's grape: low acid, heady perfume, and a texture like ripe orchard fruit. Easy to over-oak and over-ripen.

  • apricot
  • jasmine
  • peach
  • ginger
  • honeysuckle

Profile

Bodyhigh
Acidlow
Sugardry

Viognier nearly vanished. Condrieu and Château-Grillet saved it. The grape loses acid fast, so picking date is everything: a week late and it is flabby perfume; a week early and it is bitter and hollow.

In Côte-Rôtie a splash is co-fermented with Syrah for lift and color. California and Australia make richer versions; look for growers who pick for tension, not tropical weight.

Serve at 50–54 °F (10–12 °C), not ice-cold, or the perfume shuts. Pair with Thai food, roast chicken, and corn.

At the table

Service

50–54 °F (10–12 °C) in a moderately wide white glass.

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