VIOGNIER
A very aromatic grape which is starting to be widely used in Italy both as a single varietal and as part of a blend.
History
The origin of the Viognier grape is unknown. Viognier is presumed to be an ancient grape, and some have hypothesized that it may have originated in Dalmatia and was brought to Rhône by the Romans.
In 2004, DNA profiling showed the grape to be closely related to the Piedmont grape Freisa and to be a genetic cousin of Nebbiolo.
Wine regions
Viognier has been planted much more extensively around the world since the early 1990s.
Viticulture and winemaking
Environmental and cultural characteristics and needsIts leaf is small or medium-orbicular, five-lobed, medium-small clusters, truncated cone, plain or winged, sometimes compact, small-berry, spherical or slightly oval, with thick yellow amber. It has a regular production but not high, it prefers warm, ideal for extracting the aroma; require long pruning, for the low fertility of basal buds, du and high plant density (no more than 5,000 vines / ha.
Diseases and adversityIt not very sensitive to downy mildew and botrytis, powdery mildew attack and suffers a lot. It tolerates drought and is sensitive to wind.
Viognier can be a difficult grape to grow because it is prone to powdery mildew. It has low and unpredictable yields and should be picked only when fully ripe. When picked too early, the grape fails to develop the full extent of its aromas and tastes. When picked too late, the grape produces wine that is oily and lacks perfume.