Viognier is becoming more popular here in the United States. Historically, winemakers of old back in the Rhone area of France where this grape originally comes from added Viognier to their Syrah to bring out a vibrant fruit quality. Winemakers today are doing the same thing, which means that more and more of this grape is being planted here, and thus more and more Viognier being made on its own as well. This wine smells very tropical with a banana and peach character—loaded with floral aromas as well. It is a wine that definitely pleases the olfactory senses! You may want to be a little careful while enjoying this wine as typically the alcohol levels frequently are 14.5 or higher…so it can really sneak up on you. Since this wine has a pronounced floral and fruity richness, pair this with richer foods such as prosciutto-wrapped melon or baked brie cheese.
