Warm summer evenings mean that I’m drinking more white wine. Right now I’m drawn to Savignon Blancs and Pinot Grigios but I do like to experiment, branching out to other whites depending on the food I’m serving, the mood I’m in, or just a good buy at the market.
This week I picked up a bottle of Cline 2010 North Coast Viognier. Cline Cellars, which has been family owned and operated since 1982, is located in the Carneros region of Sonoma, California and is one of the wineries I’ve visited before on wine tasting trip to that area. Cline wines, to me, are always a reliable bet and I like to patronize the wineries to which I’ve visited before.
This Viognier is fruit forward without being too sweet. The peaches and apricots are discernible in both smell and taste, with grassy, herbal notes behind it. It’s an easy drinker, but complex and interesting at the same time. I think it would pair nicely with food that’s just a bit on the spicy side.
Tasting notes from the bottle:
Viognier (pronounced vee-oh-nyay) is most famous for producing the rich and exotically perfumed white wines of the northern Rhône’s Condrieu and Château-Grillet appellations. A variety characterized by low yields and small planted acreage, Viognier is one of the world’s most rare and treasured wines.
Cline’s Viognier is loaded with pineapple, peach and apricot flavors accented by floral and citrus notes. Perfect as an apéritif with Gruyère or Camembert, this wine also pairs exceptionally well with curried shrimp or Asian fusion cuisine. Serve lightly chilled.
Cline 2010 North Coast Viognier is a great buy too. It was on sale at the grocery store for $8.99. It’s worth the purchase if you see it.
I will definitely be looking for this wine. Would love to try it!
I had this wine at a restaurant last week in Indiana. Have been looking for it since!!! Loved it!