There are some grapes that you don’t see very often on wine lists, but when you get a great bottle of these varieties, it can take your night from “good” to “great.” One of these grapes is Viognier. I’m a big fan of this white Rhône variety that was nearly extinct about 50 years ago, but has made a big comeback in vineyards around the world over the past 30 years or so. It’s versatile as a wine, but can be tricky on the vine, which gives it a bit of an elusive quality.
From some of the finest dessert wines to full-bodied dry table wine, Viognier plays many roles in the wine world and on wine lists. I was excited to have the opportunity to explore some of its history across the United States from Virginia to Central California for Coravin’s blog.
In my latest article for Coravin, join me on a voyage of Viognier as we hear from two prominent winemakers who are masters of Viognier in California’s Paso Robles region and Virginia. We’ll learn how the wine can be made as a single varietal and in blends, and what makes Viognier such a major “comeback kid.” Read more about this lucious, aromatic grape and its history here.
Cheers! And feel free to leave your questions about Viognier in my comments.
Jacqueline Coleman is a 4th-Generation Miamian, professional wine + travel writer, wine consultant, and wine judge for the American Fine Wine Competition, THE Rosé Competition, & Key Biscayne Wine & Food Festival. She is the monthly "Vino" columnist for Biscayne Times, writes a quarterly wine column for the Miami-based foodie magazine, Let’s Eat, and is the "Through the Grapevine" wine contributor and consultant for South Florida Luxury Guide magazine. She is also a regular contributor to Winetraveler.com, and has contributed in the past to the Coravin company blog.
Look for Jacqueline's new podcast, Wine Uncorked, on all major podcast sites as well as the Podmany app.
A lifetime student of history and wine, Jacqueline has a passion for exploring the local cultural and culinary heritage and flare of her unique city. She received her formal wine education at Florida Wine Academy, Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)-Level 3 Award in Wine, the U.S. Sommelier Association, FIU Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Wine Program, The French Wine Society, and the International Sommelier Guild. You can follow her wine tasting events around South Florida, personal stories, travel adventures, and musings about the "wine lifestyle" on her blog, History & Wine (www.historyandwine.com).
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