Viognier is the comeback king of white grapes. It was grown for centuries in France, but its popularity declined in the 20th century. It was revived by a surge of interest in the wine varieties of the southern Rhone region of France. Planted in California the grape flourishes, making wonderful wines with aromas of apricots, peaches, jasmine, even orange blossom and mint.

A discerning feature of this grape is its low acidity: this is the secret of its luscious, easygoing charms. The intense fruitiness of this delicately green-gold wine suggests rich sweetness with its apple and pear flavors, but it shows a surprisingly dry and aromatic finish. Apricot, peach and spice aromas burst out of the glass. While the crisp apple-pear flavors make it wonderful savored on its own, Viognier also goes well with spicy Thai cuisine, Chinese and Mexican dishes, and medium to strong and salty cheeses.

Sweetness: Dry
Body: Medium
Oak Intensity: None

The 2.6 gallons (10 liters) of varietal juice makes 6 gallons (23 liters) of wine, providing approximately 30 bottles of wine.