The first time I put my lips to a Viognier wine it was love at first taste. This white wine, so thirst-quenching and delicious, deserves better. Its roots are deeply laid in the northern Rhone Valley of France and is the only permitted grape for the French wine Condrieu in the Rhone. Viognier is hard to pronounce and is lagging way behind the leader of the white wine pack, Chardonnay.
First let’s get the pronunciation right. It’s (Vee-on-Yay) and like Chardonnay, Viognier has the potential to produce full-bodied complex white wine, with a pretty, golden hue to it to tempt the palate. Unlike most simpler whites, both Chardonnay and Viognier age well, so it’s not unusual to see a year or two of vintage on the label. Another interesting thing about this wine is that it blends well with other whites. Our friends at Robert Renzoni in Temecula Valley make a Cantata blend with 60% Pinot Grigio and 40% Viognier. Lots of apple and pear on the nose, with a hint of pineapple on the finish.
Viognier grapes are bursting with notes of fruit like Peach, Pear and Mango,
and it does well in Temecula Wine Country.
and it does well in Temecula Wine Country.
Viognier seems to have found a home in Southern California. A number of wineries in Temecula have embraced its heat-loving properties and distinguished palatable accents. Besides Robert Renzoni, several other wineries feature Viognier in their white wine lineup. Falkner Winery has always done well and Ray Falkner was an early believer in the varietal. His new release Viognier is a gold medal winner, grown on the estate. White peach, pineapple, key lime and honeysuckle are clear plate-pleasing fruits, evident in Falkner Viognier. South Coast does well with their entry. Aromas of peach and nectarine dominate, along with a velvety finish, evident in all Viogniers.
Maurice Car’rie Winery is an all-white varietal winery and its Viognier is accented with apricot , Asian pear notes and citrus blossom. Most Viogniers will be in the $20. price point. Viognier was out of favor and in the 60’s, with just a few acres in the northern Rhone Valley of France. The popularity and price of the grape has risen since then. It’s a difficult grape to grow and prone to mildew and up and down yields. A just-right Viognier will have a high level of sugar with high alcohol and perfume, compared to other whites. Source Wikipedia.org/wiki/viognier.
Pinnacle at the Top for Lunch in Temecula Wine Country
Pinnacle Restaurant, high atop a lookout with a sweeping view of Temecula Wine Country is Falkner Winery’s premium lunch restaurant. Executive Chef Gianni Ciciliot has fashioned a food lover’s menu that pairs well with the many marquee varietals, headlined by the Falkner 2012 Amante Super Tuscan red blend, my wine of the month for August. August is Lobster Fest month at Pinnacle.
Each week Chef Gianni presents this elite seafood in a unique way. This weekend dine on Maine Lobster charbroiled with garlic butter, whipped Boursin cheese mashed potatoes, asparagus and a triple onion cream sauce. Lunch is served daily from 11:30 to 3:30pm. RSVP by calling 951-676-8231 x4.
Wine Bytes
Gianni Buonomo Vintners, San Diego ’s first beach winery in Ocean Beach has a new wine release gala, Fri. Aug. 12th at 7pm, paired with several favorite restaurants. The 2013’s include Rhone style blends, Bordeaux inspired blends and a Super Tuscan style Sangiovese. The winery will introduce their new label, Gianni California . Ticket info at gbv2013release.eventbrite.com.
It’s Summer in Pink at Cucina Enoteca Del Mar, Sat. Aug. 13th from 2 to 4pm. 5 Rose’ samples will be offered along with an impressive anti pasti spread by chef Joe Mangnanelli. Cost is $40. Call 858-704-4500 for an RSVP.
Il Fornaio with locations in Coronado and Del Mar presents its Sicilia Fest Regionale dishes, now til Aug. 21st. Specially crafted menu delights from the island of Sicily .
La Costa Wine on El Camino Real in Carlsbad has a beer and cheese tasting with the “Booze Bothers,” Sun. Aug. 14th from 2 to 4pm. It’s an all craft beer offering, for $25. ea. RSVP at 760-431-8455.
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