Viognier

Viognier is a white-wine grape variety known for producing textural, aromatic wines with pronounced stonefruit flavors -- apricots and steel are the variety's classic flavor associations. On the nose, Viognier wines can also be very herbal, with aromas of chamomile, lavender, thyme and even a hint of pine. It needs an extended period in order to ripen, which is why it is best known in the upper Rhone valley, in Condrieu. More value-oriented examples can be found in the Languedoc.