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Wine Details
Price:
$20.00 per bottle
Description:
Swan Song This is our last vintage of Viognier as we are going to focus on other white Rhônes, Marsanne and Roussanne. We know we have some Viognier fans who will be disappointed that we aren’t going to bottle any more after this vintage, so I’ll try to briefly explain why we made this tough decision. Our focus and attention on our white wines is spread a little to thinly, and Viognier has been a very “high maintenance” project for us. Viognier is a very challenging grape to grow and vinify, low yields, high costs, and extra effort in the winery have led us to question the wisdom of producing it. Although Marsanne and Roussanne are not as well known yet, it is much easier to attain high quality and decent yields in the vineyard with them. In my opinion, they generally make better wine than Viognier and should have a bright future in California. Yields at Timbervine were very low (again!) in 2002, producing an intense, concentrated wine. It’s been a love/hate relationship with this grape for ten years, it’s not easy to say goodbye. Aromas of peaches, nectarine and honeysuckle, flavors of peach and apricot, rich texture and lively acidity match this wine well with such foods as Asian, poultry, seafood, pork and light cream sauces. We think this is our best Viognier to date. 367 cases produced. Bronze medal Sonoma County Harvest Fair 10/03
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Varietal Definition
Viognier:
The most acclaimed white wine grape from France's Rhône Valley, Viognier is a highly aromatic varietal, with a flavor profile that could include peach, apricot, nectarine, lichee, musk and flower blossom. The heady perfume of this varietal is one of its trademarks, although its flavors are sometimes problematic in matching with food. However, it does well with lobster, crab and moderately flavored fish. Use it as an apéritif as an alternative to Chardonnay. The "Rhône Rangers" in California have done an excellent job promoting this varietal.
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Marsanne:
White grape of the Northern Rhône and primary constituent of white Crozes-Hermitage and St.Joseph it is also a permitted blend for red Hermitage. It produces wines high in extract and alcohol with pronounced floral and almond characteristics. Often blended with the more refined Roussanne for a touch of elegance. Seen as a varietal in the Victoria region of Australia, notably Chateau Tahbilk.
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Roussanne:
Also known as Bergeron in the french Savoie region. Semi-classic grape grown in the Hermitage-Rhone and southern Cotes du Rhone region of France. Still occasionally incorporated into white wine blends, (e.g: with the Marsanne grape wine), because of its acidity and aroma but finding less and less favor.
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