Viognier

Viognier is a white grape variety of French origin, renowned for its aromatic, rich wines with great personality. Native to the Rhône Valley, it has found an ideal location in the warm and sunny Mediterranean climate, and in recent years it has also been cultivated in the province of Alicante, where it brings aromatic freshness to modern whites, either alone or blended with local varieties.

Viognier has its roots in the northern Rhône Valley, particularly in the appellations of Condrieu and Château-Grillet, where it produces some of the most highly regarded whites in the world. In the mid-20th century, it was on the verge of extinction, with only a few hectares under cultivation, but since the 1980s it has experienced a remarkable revival and has spread to Languedoc, California, Australia, South Africa, and Spain. Its arrival in Mediterranean regions like Alicante is driven by the quest for more aromatic and complex whites.

It is a medium vigor variety with moderate yields, somewhat delicate and demanding in the vineyard: it needs to reach full ripeness to express its aromatic potential, making it particularly suitable for warm climates. It produces full-bodied wines with moderate acidity and a glycerin-like, almost oily texture that makes them broad and enveloping on the palate.

It stands out for its intense and recognizable aromatic profile: apricot, peach, and ripe stone fruits, white floral notes such as honeysuckle and acacia, along with hints of musk, honey, and exotic fruits. On the palate, it is rich, warm, and persistent.

With a medium budding and ripening cycle, it requires heat and sunlight to develop its characteristic aromas, making it well-suited to the dry and sunny summers of inland Alicante.