Time to book a holiday and for once, Digi and I are in agreement.
We're thinking of a sun-drenched, warm beach in the Caribbean. You hear someone walking towards you as you're lying on the sand. It is a sun kissed, golden haired, voluptuous God/ess with a cocktail in hand, just for you. Skin glistening with coconut oil, they hand you the glass and you take a sip. A burst of fresh peaches and apricot hit you first, followed by delicate wafts of acacia blossom and musk from the flower garland that is now being placed around your neck. The effect is seductive and delicious.
However, seeing as we can't jump on a plane in the next 10 minutes, what's the next best option for a Brit? Check out the wine list of course! And there it is, in black and white: our very own piece of paradise in a bottle. Viognier.
This peachy little number is enough to lift our spirits for the time being as we praise the full-bodied, fruit-forward richness of the wine and its satisfying, oily texture. The aroma of blossom is right there too with a delightful weightiness that reminds us of white chocolate and pine kernals. Yummy!
We are lucky here and have indulged in arguably the greatest kind of Viognier you can buy - from its homeland of Condrieu in France's Rhone Valley. We have paid for the priveledge though! So often, Viognier can quite often be out of balance with flabby, low acidity and way too much alcohol. It's not very easy to grow, you see. Some less expensive versions can be delicious though. You'll just have to taste a few to find your favourite...
Tasting Tour:
* Start of in the Languedoc-Rousillon region of France, for well priced, full and fruity offerings.
* Next try Eden Valley in Australia to see what they can do. Viognier is made all over Australia now and Yalumba have been flying the flag for the last 20 years or so.
* Chile is offering some powerfully aromatic versions if it's full-on flavour you want.
* Finally, save your pennies and find a decent 'Condrieu' from the appellation of the same name in France's Northern Rhone Valley. Condrieu will always be 100% Viognier and takes all the best bits mentioned above, with complexity, elegance and balance, It's the whole package!
I can feel the sun coming out already Now, where's that waiter...
Winebird x
