WineGuessrWhite grape variety
Viognier
Viognier is a white grape from the northern Rhône, France, known for full-bodied, low-acid wines with apricot, peach and floral aromas. It is the only grape of Condrieu and Château-Grillet. In 1965 only about eight acres remained in the northern Rhône before a worldwide revival.
| Color | White (green-skinned) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Northern Rhône, France |
| Body | Full |
| Acidity | Low |
| Typical aromas | apricot, peach, pear, violet, honeysuckle, orange blossom |
| Key regions | Rhône Valley (France), Languedoc-Roussillon (France), California (United States), South Australia (Australia) |
Origin and history
Viognier comes from the northern Rhône Valley. It almost disappeared in the 20th century: in 1965 only about eight acres remained in the northern Rhône, producing some 1,900 litres of wine, and it was still considered endangered in the mid-1980s. Interest in the wines of Condrieu then sparked plantings around the world. DNA analysis at UC Davis in 2004 found Viognier to be closely related to Freisa, a Piedmont grape, and a genetic cousin of Nebbiolo. Its exact parents have not been established.
Where it grows
Viognier is the only grape permitted in Condrieu and in Château-Grillet. In Côte-Rôtie the rules allow up to 20% Viognier to be co-fermented with Syrah, though most growers use no more than 5%; it helps stabilise colour and lifts the aroma, while the finished wine remains a red. Since the 1980s it has spread to Languedoc-Roussillon, where it is often sold as Vin de Pays, to the Central Coast of California and to Australia.
Taste, wine styles and food
Viognier makes full-bodied white wine with low acidity, an oily texture and often high alcohol. The perfume is intense: apricot, peach, pear, violet and honeysuckle. The grape needs full ripeness to develop this character, but if picked too late it loses freshness. Most Viognier, including most Condrieu, is best drunk young, as the floral aromas fade with bottle age. Some producers use oak or make late-harvest versions. Its weight and aroma suit lobster, scallops, roast chicken with apricots, pork and lightly spiced dishes such as mild curries or Moroccan tagines.
Wines made with Viognier (3)
WineGuessr lists 3 wines made with Viognier, all from France.
Viognier: questions and answers
What grape is Condrieu made from?
Condrieu is made only from Viognier, in the northern Rhône Valley.
Why is Viognier added to Côte-Rôtie?
Co-fermenting a small amount of Viognier with Syrah stabilises the colour and adds floral aroma. The rules allow up to 20%, but most growers use 5% or less.
Is Viognier sweet?
Most Viognier is dry, but its ripe apricot and peach aromas can make it seem sweet. Late-harvest sweet versions are rare.
Does Viognier age well?
Usually not for long. Its floral aromas fade with time, so most Viognier is best within a few years of the vintage.
Other white grapes
All grape varieties →Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Last reviewed October 2026.