VIOGNIER

Question 1

Northern Rhône: Chateau Grillet & Condrieu

Answer 1

Sight: medium straw.

Nose: pronounced floral (white flowers and roses), stone fruits, honey and stony mineral. Some wines are aged in new oak.

Palate:
medium-to full-bodied and dry to bone dry.

Structure:
alcohol: medium to medium-plus;
acidity: medium-plus.

ID Keys: the combination of pronounced floral notes, ripe stone fruits, minerality and a touch of bitterness on the finish found in all the aromatic grape varieties (Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Muscat and Torrontés).
Some wines offer new oak aromas and flavours. Usually more acidity and less alcohol than New World counterparts.

Question 2

California

Answer 2

Sight: deep straw to deep yellow gold.

Nose: profile similar to Condrieu but but much riper and without minerality.
Fruits include apricot/peach/nectarine, golden apple, orange as well as honey and floral elements.
–A high percentage of new oak and full malolactic are often used.

Palate:
medium-plus to full-bodied with ripe sweet (even canned) fruit and the hallmark touch of bitterness on
the finish with elements of new oak.

Structure:
alcohol: medium-plus to high;
acidity: medium to medium-plus.

ID Keys: ripe, often over-ripe stone fruits, floral notes and the use of new oak; like Chardonnay.