Grapevines Viognier

Name of the variety

Viognier

Origin

This is a native variety from the northern part of the Côtes du Rhône.

Information

In France, Viognier is officially listed in the "Catalogue of vine varieties" on the A list and classified. This variety is also listed in the catalogues of other Member States of the European Union: Austria, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain.

Use

Wine grape variety.

Phenology

Bud burst: same as Chasselas.
Grape maturity: mid-season, 2 weeks and a half after Chasselas.

Suitability for cultivation and agronomic production

• This variety is usually trained (it is sometimes sensitive to the wind), pruned moderately long and with a fairly high planting density.
• Traditionally grown in acidic terroirs, this variety is well adapted to sufficiently deep soils (but not too fertile) in southern areas, to avoid the risk of drought.
• Its early budburst exposes it to spring frosts.

Susceptibility to diseases and pests

Viognier does not seem particuliarly sensitive to diseases.

Technological potentiality

• The bunches are small and compact.
• The berries are also small.
• Under favorable conditions, the varietal characteristics of Viognier allows for the production of very aromatic (abricot, peach, etc.), complex and powerful good quality wines.
• Viognier gives warm wines (high sugar accumulation potential): full-bodied but lacking a bit of acidity and occasionally presenting a slight bitterness. 
• It can also be used to produce sweet or sparkling wines or blended (5, 10 % or more) with other grapes (particularly Syrah) to add finesse and aromas to red wines.

Clonal selection

The three certified Viognier clones carry the numbers 642.