Viognier

The Viognier grape is a native of the Rhone Valley, in France, where it was introduced by the emperor Marcus Aurelius Probus, who was originally from Sirmio (Sremska Mitrovica) in Serbia, so it is possible that its origins are Balkan. Long forgotten, also because of low productivity, the Viognier then returned to the limelight in recent times, being the base of the white wines of Condrieu, (Côte du Rhone), wines that are difficult to find and are characterized by low acidity and notable olfactory intensity. Confirming its origins, we find it also cultivated on the island of Vis (Dalmatia) under the name of Vugava or Bugava. In Italy the Viognier is spreading especially in the regions with warm climate (Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, Umbria, Lazio) where it is generally assembled with other grapes. Where pure vinified, it can sometimes express absolutely remarkable results.