Extremely difficult to grow, but well worth the trouble if it survives, Viognier, cultivated in the Northern Rhone, seemed an endangered variety until only a few years ago, but it is now recovering worldwide. Viognier is notoriously fussy. Although drought tolerant, it is susceptible to powdery mildew. Like many other varietals, Viognier must be harvested at its peak to best display its many unique aromas and flavors. The grape's tendency to develop high sugar but low acid can result in wines with neutral, viney flavors and high alcohol. These cultivation problems and the grape's rarity combine to make Viognier wines relatively expensive. The main attraction of Viognier is a potentially powerful, rich, and complex aroma that often seems like overripe apricots mixed with orange blossoms or acacia and its buttery feel in the mouth. The wine has a wonderful golden color and its perfume holds up even when blended with a large portion of other grapes.
Clone: FPS 01