Winemaker Notes
The White Knight Viognier moves forward whenpaired with food such as fluffy, filled pasta coveredwith a light lemon-cream sauce, peach stuffedchicken breast on a bed of spinach with toastedhazelnuts or classic Pizza Margherita.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Ripe flavors and a plush texture have not gone out of style in this opulent and tasty Viognier. Although not technically sweet, it has all these great dessert flavors: hazelnuts, toasted almonds and poached pears. The finish lasts 30 seconds or more.
Full-figured and charmingly floral, Viognier is one of the most important white grapes of the northern Rhône where it is used both to produce single varietal wines and as an important blending grape. Look for great New World examples from California, Oregon, Washington and cooler parts of Australia. Somm Secret—Viognier plays a surprisingly important role in the red wines of Côte Rôtie in the northern Rhône. About 5% Viognier is typically co-fermented with the Syrah in order to stabilize the color, and as an added benefit, add a subtle perfume.
The vineyards just inland from the Sacramento River Delta, along the deep banks of the Sacramento River, comprise the Clarksburg AVA. The River Delta channels in cold air and fog from the Pacific Ocean creating a cooling effect in this area. Warm summer days quickly change to chilly evenings and make a great environment for grape growing. While a range of grape varieties grow here, Chenin blanc stands out the most, distinguishing itself in the appellation.
The Clarksburg Wine Growers and Vintners Association, made up of nearly 50 grower members and over a dozen wineries, has been working since the late 1980s to promote the high quality wine of its region.