Summer Sips: Colorado Viognier
By Shari Caudron
Created 2010-05-26 16:32

By: Shari Caudron [1]

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Summer Sips: Colorado Viognier

White wine drinkers who’ve maxed out on Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc may want to give Viognier [2](vee-oh-nyay) a try. This Rhône varietal is becoming increasingly popular thanks to the grape’s exceptional character and complexity. Its most notable feature? A heady floral aroma, often associated with honeysuckle, apricots, and pears. In recent years, several Colorado wineries have added Viognier to their lineup. Give these diverse bottles a try: To impress your friends, try the Sutcliffe Vineyards [3] 2007. This elegant, full-bodied Viognier has flavors of tropical fruit and peaches. Serve with dried fruit and stinky cheese. If you like spicier sips, pick up the Bookcliff Vineyards [4] 2008. The wine smells of cantaloupe and honeydew melon, and carries a bit of hot spice on the finish. It’s great with creamy salmon fettuccine. If you prefer more texture and tannins, buy Balistreri Vineyards [5] 2008. The winery ferments its white wines on the skins of the grapes (and bottles it unfiltered), which gives it more depth than a typical white. Pair with charcuterie. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a light sipper, pour the Garfield Estates Vineyard & Winery [6] 2009, which is light and smooth with a hint of pear. You don’t need food with this one---only a porch swing and a warm afternoon. Hint: Don’t over-chill Viognier. If you do, you won’t taste or smell the impressive floral characteristics.
Source URL: http://www.5280.com/blogs/2010/05/26/summer-sips-colorado-viognier

Links:
[1] http://www.5280.com/tag/authors/shari-caudron
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viognier
[3] http://www.sutcliffewines.com/
[4] http://www.bookcliffvineyards.com/
[5] http://www.balistrerivineyards.com/
[6] http://www.garfieldestates.com/