Winemaker Notes
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.
While slightly warmer and with a landscape more rolling than its neighbor, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully has the same unique terra rossa soils.
This wind-blown, red clay and fertile loam, strewn on top of fossil-rich, penetrable, ancient limestone reefs, creates well-draining vineyards ideal for viticulture. The temperate Wrattonbully particularly excels in the production of red Bordeaux single varietal wines.