Viognier

In 1985 there was a perilously small 32 hectares planted to Viognier in the world, compared to the 80 hectares that make up Bordeaux’s Château Margaux. Fortunately the grape has since seen a resurgence, with the best examples from the Northern Rhône heartlands of Condrieu, as well as wines from the South of France and the New World combining fantastic weight, gorgeous fruit, and remarkable aromatics. A little Viognier is also often blended in Côte Rotie to add lift and perfume to the red Syrah.