2021 Viognier, Domaine Gayda, Pays d'Oc

Viognier has come a long way – in the mid 1980s it was virtually unknown – highly regarded, but confined to a tiny corner of France’s Rhône valley. Now it is one of the world’s favourite white grapes, and grows in almost every winemaking country. With its characteristic, floral, expressive perfume, viognier has plenty to offer those who normally drink sauvignon or chardonnay – the best examples combining the perfume and zest of the former, with the texture and ripe, tropical fruit of the latter.

We first visited the excellent Domaine Gayda, south-west of Carcassonne, a decade ago, and we have just re-introduced their excellent viognier to our range. It makes for a fine, fragrant aperitif, and is very food-friendly; a great partner for fish, seafood and Asian cuisine – it clicks very nicely with lemongrass, ginger and Thai spices.

Tasting note:
One of the Languedoc’s best viogniers, and a pristine, highly aromatic style of this grape. Rounded and luscious, whilst also very fresh and elegant, with aromas of spring blossom and flavours of white peach, pear and apricot.