Viognier varies in style and degree of dryness. What wines are best to explore this great grape?

A few years ago I was tired, tired, tired of Chardonnay. I bought a bottle of R.H. Phillips EXP Viognier and was thrilled with the flavors. I spoke to the owner of a wine store in Franklin, Tennesse and she told me that four years ago she couldn't give Viognier away. Now it doesn't stay on the shelf.

Until a few decades ago, the grape was only found in Condrieu, in the Northern Rhône. Here it was grown, pressed, and turned into wine for over 2,000 years. It was brought to France from Dalmatia by the Romans. Today Viognier is grown all over the world.

Viognier is very clean in taste. It can be bone dry or echo the flavors of a good Rhine wine, as with the Jewel Viognier.

Renwood Select Series Viognier 2002
This wine is full of the fruit flavors that was a hallmark of previous Viogniers. You'll find aromas and flavors of apricots. There are also hints of apple butter on the tongue. There are touches of oak. It has a nice, long finish. This can be a nice "comfort" wine. $10.

Domaine de Couron Cote du Rhône Viognier 2003
This Viognier has lush aromas of pears, apriocots, and fresh turned earth. The flavors recall summer in an orchard, with pear, apricots, honey, and fresh flowers. The finish is a bit bitter. $10.

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