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Viognier (pronounced VEE-oh-nyay) is a white grape variety historically grown in France’s Rhône Valley. Full-bodied and aromatically intense, it is sometimes blended with other white Rhône varietals like Marsanne and Roussanne. Though Viognier has long been made into stand-alone varietal wines, it has garnered a reputation for creating wines that are considered overly rich and thick. But that’s no longer accurate. Winemakers in both Viognier’s traditional home and growing regions across the globe are increasingly flipping the script and “consistently producing elegant renditions,” says Anna-Christina Cabrales, Wine Enthusiast’s Tasting Director and resident Rhône reviewer. “Gone are the days where Viognier is just really fat and dense.” These single-varietal bottles span a wide range of textures and aromas, making them ideal partners for boldly flavored fare like Indian cuisine, complex Thai dishes and Filipino classics. In hotter vintages, Viognier wines often take on tropical, ginger and ripe citrus flavors. In cooler growing seasons, Viognier’s tropical, ginger and ripe citrus flavors take on a leaner expression. In these instances, lemongrass and spices, like white pepper and saffron, also join the mix.The best examples deliver ethereal, elegant qualities. “It doesn’t feel like you are chomping into a bowl of fruit cocktail Jell-O,” she says. “It’s like a ballerina that dances across the palate.” No matter the year or the region, however, these wines warrant exploration. “If people have not picked up a glass of Viognier recently, they should,” says Cabrales. We decided it was time to round up the top bottles on the market. From the Condrieu to California to Australia’s Eden Valley, these Viognier wines deserve space on your buying list. More White Wine Coverage How is white wine made? In theory, it's simple—the reality is more complicated. While a wine may be completely dry by definition, it may not feel dry. Here's what the term "dry white wine" really means. Get to know Albariño, Spain's quintessential white wine. Even the savviest wine drinkers are often unsure about keeping whites around for years, worried about how the flavors will evolve. Here's what makes white wine ageworthy. Even though Sicily’s reds get most of the spotlight, its new generation of dry, radiant whites—led by indigenous grapes—should be on every wine lover’s radar. Should white wines ever be decanted? Yes, absolutely. From the Shop Find Your Wine a Home Our selection of wine glasses is the best way to enjoy subtle aromas and bright flavors. Shop All Wine Glasses

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