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Viognier

Viognier Wine Details
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Description: The warm days and cool nights of the Snake River Valley AVA create Viogniers of style and balance. We fermented this Viognier in mostly stainless steel barrels to show off the aromas of orange blossoms and pear and to create a lively, clean finish. Rounding out the mouthfeel and adding texture to the wine is a smaller proportion of the blend that was fermented in old oak barrels and went through the second, malolactic fermentation. Although the old oak barrels no longer add the aromas of new oak (vanilla, caramel, clove, etc), fermenting the wine in the wood creates rounder, heavier textured wines than fermenting in stainless steel. About 12% of this wine is grown organically on a vine in Emmett, about 40 minutes northwest from Boise (see Rocky Fence Vineyard). The remainder comes from Sawtooth and Williamson Vineyards.

Varietal Definition
Viognier:
The most acclaimed white wine grape from France's Rhône Valley, Viognier is a highly aromatic varietal, with a flavor profile that could include peach, apricot, nectarine, lichee, musk and flower blossom. The heady perfume of this varietal is one of its trademarks, although its flavors are sometimes problematic in matching with food. However, it does well with lobster, crab and moderately flavored fish. Use it as an apéritif as an alternative to Chardonnay. The "Rhône Rangers" in California have done an excellent job promoting this varietal.


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