At its best Viognier is a floral and peach-scented, round, rich white with a succulent gingery edge and a nuttiness that gets more pronounced with age. Pronounced ‘Vee-on-yay’, this is an ancient variety believed to have originated in Dalmatia (present day Croatia). From there it was brought to the Rhône Valley, now its centre of excellence, by the Romans. By 1965 it was almost extinct with just eight acres planted in the Rhône, mostly on the granite slopes at Château Grillet but since then it has undergone a renaissance and is now planted in many wine producing countries around the world. The variety shows at its very best in the Northern Rhône wines of Condrieu but you can find excellent examples from the South of France, Australia, California, South America and an increasing number from New Zealand.
Quality is consistent. Deeper bouquet and flavor than most Cali Zins. The Earth tones come thru beautifully about two years from Vintage. Wonderful
Red to contemplate on its own or with good food.
chianti at a good price- good value for everyday drinking
Not quite in same class as recent chianti from Wine Direct released earlier this year-but also half the price. Excellent value for a red wine: you don't have to worry about finding a superior food to match at this excellent price.
Hard pushed to find a NZ red at this price/quality ratio!