Viognier

Viognier is a white grape variety originally from the Rhône Valley in France, where it was once on the verge of extinction due to its notoriously low yields and demanding growing conditions. For a time, just a few hectares remained - mainly in the Condrieu and Château-Grillet appellations - but the grape has since enjoyed a remarkable revival. Much of Viognier's resurgence is due to its seductive aromatic profile and full-bodied character, which have captured the attention of winemakers and wine lovers around the world.

In Italy, Viognier was introduced relatively recently and in small quantities, initially as a blending grape. Early plantings appeared in Tuscany and Piedmont, where it was often added to local or international varieties to lend aromatic lift and textural richness. However, in the last decade, Italian winemakers, particularly in Tuscany’s coastal Maremma region, have begun producing pure Viognier wines, with remarkable results.

Maremma Toscana has quickly established itself as the premier Italian region for Viognier. The area's sun-drenched hills, cooling maritime breezes, and well-drained soils provide ideal growing conditions for this temperamental variety. Here, Viognier achieves full ripeness while retaining enough acidity to balance its naturally high sugar and alcohol levels, crucial for creating wines of structure and elegance rather than flatness.

Today, Viognier can be found across several Italian regions, but few areas match the balance and depth achieved in Tuscany. While some producers offer lighter, more refreshing styles aimed at easy drinking, the most compelling expressions remain those with greater weight, depth, and complexity - often from Maremma - where the grape’s full potential is realised.

Viognier wines are known for their intensely aromatic character. When young, they display expressive floral and fruit notes, think white peach, apricot, honeysuckle, and tropical fruits. With age, Viognier becomes more elegant and nuanced, showing subtle spice, minerality, and a creamy texture that enhances its gastronomic appeal.

Though it remains a niche grape in Italy, Viognier's versatility and distinctive profile have secured it a growing place in modern Italian winemaking.