Australian Grown News and Articles

Viognier is a white wine grape variety that originated in the Rhône Valley of France. It is known for its distinctive floral and fruit aromas, which include notes of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle. Viognier has low acidity levels compared to other white wines, giving it a smooth and plush mouthfeel.

In Australia, Viognier is grown in various regions such as Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia; however the most notable region is the Barossa Valley in South Australia. The warm climate of this region helps produce ripe fruit flavours with lower acidity. This makes Australian Viogniers stand out from their French counterparts by having more prominent tropical fruit flavours.

Viognier can be enjoyed on its own as well as paired with food such as grilled fish or chicken dishes that have creamy sauces. Its unique flavour profile also makes it an excellent accompaniment to spicy foods such as Thai or Indian curries. Overall, Viognier offers a delightful alternative to other popular white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc with its distinct aroma and flavour profile.

History of Viognier in Australia

Viognier is a white grape variety that has its roots in France’s Rhone Valley. It was only introduced to Australia in the 1960s, but it quickly gained popularity due to its unique flavour profile and versatility. The first commercial plantings of Viognier in Australia began in the 1980s, with some of the earliest vineyards located in Victoria and New South Wales.

Initially, Australian winemakers struggled to produce high-quality Viognier due to its extremely low yield and susceptibility to disease. However, with advances in viticultural practises and winemaking techniques, Australia has now become one of the world’s leading producers of Viognier wine. Today, Australian Viogniers are known for their full-bodied texture, floral aromas, and flavours of stone fruit such as apricot and peach.

Despite being a relatively recent addition to the country’s wine scene, Viognier has already established itself as an important varietal for Australian winemakers. With more vineyards being planted every year and continued experimentation with blending different grape varieties, we can expect even more exciting things coming from this region’s wines soon!

Popular Australian Viogniers

Viognier is a relatively new grape to Australia, but it has quickly gained popularity thanks to its rich and complex flavours. Some of the most popular Australian Viogniers include the Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier and the Penfolds Bin 51 Eden Valley Viognier. Both wines are known for their floral aromas, with hints of apricot, peach, and honey. They pair well with spicy foods, particularly Thai or Indian cuisine.

Another popular Australian Viognier is the Torbreck Descendant Marsanne Roussanne Viognier blend. This wine is made from three different grapes: marsanne, roussanne, and viognier. It has a bright acidity that balances out its rich flavours of tropical fruit and honeycomb. It pairs well with seafood dishes like grilled prawns or scallops.

When it comes to Australian Viogniers, there are plenty of options to choose from depending on your taste preferences and budget. Whether you opt for an affordable bottle like the De Bortoli Villages Viognier or splurge on a high-end option like the Clonakilla Shiraz-Viognier blend, you’re sure to enjoy this unique and flavorful wine varietal from Down Under!

Food Pairings for Viognier

Viognier is a white wine grape variety that produces aromatic and full-bodied wines. It is known for its distinct floral and fruity aroma, with flavours of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle. When paired with food, Viognier can complement a wide range of dishes due to its rich flavour profile.

One classic pairing for Viognier is seafood. The wine’s acidity and fruitiness perfectly balance the rich flavours of shellfish, such as lobster or crab. Grilled shrimp or scallops also pair well with Viognier, making it a great choice for summer barbecues.

Another great pairing option for Viognier is spicy cuisine. The wine’s bold flavours can stand up to the heat in dishes like Thai curries or Indian biryanis. The sweetness in the wine can help tame the spice while enhancing the dish’s overall flavour.

Overall, Viognier offers versatility when it comes to food pairings due to its unique characteristics. Whether you prefer seafood or spicy cuisine, this white wine offers an excellent accompaniment to your meal.

Serving & Storing Tips

When it comes to serving Viognier wine, there are a few tips that can help you enjoy it at its best. First and foremost, make sure to chill the wine before serving. A temperature of around 45-50°F (7-10°C) is ideal for Viognier as it allows the fruity notes to be more pronounced. It’s also essential to use the right glassware. A tulip-shaped glass with a narrow opening will help capture the aromas while preventing them from escaping.

Storing Viognier wine properly is equally important as serving it correctly. Like most white wines, Viognier should be kept in a cool and dark place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. It’s also crucial to store it horizontally so that the cork stays moist and doesn’t dry out, which could damage the wine’s quality over time.

Lastly, keep in mind that once opened, Viognier should be enjoyed within two or three days at most for optimal taste and freshness. By following these simple serving and storing tips, you can elevate your experience with this exquisite Australian wine variety!

Unusual Ways to Enjoy Viognier

Viognier is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed in many ways. One unusual way to enjoy Viognier is by pairing it with spicy foods. The floral and fruity notes of the wine complement the heat of spicy dishes, creating a balance that enhances both the food and the drink. This makes Viognier an ideal choice for Indian, Thai or Mexican cuisine.

Another unique way to enjoy Viognier is by serving it chilled as an aperitif or cocktail ingredient. When served chilled, the refreshing qualities of this white wine are heightened, making it perfect for sipping on hot summer days. It can also be used as a base for cocktails such as spritzers or bellinis.

Finally, you could try using Viognier in cooking to add depth and complexity to your dishes. Its subtle fruitiness lends itself well to savoury flavours such as chicken, seafood and creamy sauces. Using Viognier in cooking will enhance the dish without overwhelming other ingredients while adding a delicate aroma and flavour profile.

Conclusion: Enjoying Viognier

In conclusion, enjoying Viognier wine is all about understanding its distinct characteristics and pairing it with the right food. Its aromatic profile makes it a great choice for those who enjoy floral and fruity notes in their wine. The wine’s full-bodied texture also makes it a suitable substitute for Chardonnay when pairing with rich dishes.

To fully appreciate Viognier, it’s important to serve it at the right temperature. It should be chilled but not overly cold, as this can mute its flavours and aromas. Ideally, serve Viognier at around 10-12 degrees Celsius.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different food pairings to find what works best for your palate. Whether you’re enjoying grilled seafood or indulging in spicy Thai cuisine, there’s always a perfect Viognier match waiting to be discovered. So sit back, relax and savour every sip of this beautiful Australian wine variety!