My earliest recollection regarding anything about Viognier is an interview with Louisa Rose and a fellow, whose name escapes me, on a wine show. It was 1998, the very early stages of my interest in wine. To put things into perspective, it was also a time when white wines were not really my thing.
Watching the interview, I remember initially being very interested because it was a variety I was not particularly familiar with but it wasn’t enough for me to want to rush out and buy some.
Fast forward about 6 years and I discovered Viognier at a capital city wine show public tasting. I was hooked. Not that it matters, but I can’t remember if it was the lovely aromatics or unctuous mouthfeel or both. Either way, it is rare not to find one in our fridge.
Yalumba could clearly see a future for this variety in Australia. In 1980, they planted Viognier in the Eden Valley, a place where it has shone since then, resulting in some lovely wines ranging from the top tier Virgilius to the luscious FSW Botrytis Viognier. These terrific new releases are the perfect way to celebrate International Viognier Day.
Region: Eden Valley (Wrattonbully for the FSW), South Australia Source: Samples thanks kindly to Yalumba
2022 The Virgilius Eden Valley Viognier (Price: $57)
Where do I start with this beauty?! I loved the aromas, albeit a little shy to begin with, but when it did open up, goodness me, such complexity. It’s delicately floral, subtle, but definite apricot notes coming through and a nice touch of spice too. Aromatically inviting for sure. The palate is concentrated, elegant, graceful, textural and, as with the nose, beautifully complex. Fresh, juicy apricots are the main contributor to the flavour profile but are perfectly complemented by some nice acidity and subtle spice characters. These flavours combine with a macadamia nut texture that coats the palate, leading into a lovely long finish. This is a true delight!
2022 Eden Valley Viognier (Price: $28)
Here is the bargain buy beauty of the range. A true expression of the variety, perfect for introducing someone to Viognier. It’s all about the luscious apricot fruit with this wine but it is displayed in such a way that brings a freshness to the nose and palate rather than a full-on flavour hit. There is a little texture too adding a deft touch of weight to this wine making it sit pretty on the palate while taking nothing away from the aforementioned freshness. This is a no-brainer if Viognier is on your radar, and it should be, when walking into a bottle-shop.
2023 FSW Botrytis Viognier (Price: $30)
I’ll be honest, Botrytis wines are not generally a go-to for me these days. I have found many to be that little too cloyingly sweet, if you know what I mean. Well, I have to say, this is the first time I have tried this wine and it has changed my view. Maybe it’s due to being made from Viognier, or more likely because of how I have described it in the next few lines. Let me tell you about this lovely wine. It has an alluring colour, is aromatically intense and attractive, is lush and rich in flavour yet so elegant, beautifully balanced with a refreshingly long finish. The perfect post-dinner wine.
Words from a Wine Glass 