The white grape variety originates from France. Synonyms are Galopine, Petit Viognier, Viogné, Viogner, Viognier Bijeli, Viognier Blanc, Viognier Jaune, Viognier Vert, Vionjer, Vionnier Vionnier Jaune, Vionnier Petit, Vionnier Vert. Despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities, it must not be confused with the varieties Altesse, Chouchillon (Faux Viognier) or Vugava. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2008, there is a parent-offspring relationship with Mondeuse Blanche, as well as a close relationship with Freisa. The medium-maturing, not very productive vine is relatively resistant to botrytis, but susceptible to powdery mildew. It produces deep yellow, high alcohol, extract-rich white wines with aromas of apricots, peaches, lemons and flowers (lily of the valley, violets) as well as ageing potential.
According to one hypothesis, it is said to have already reached France from Dalmatia under Emperor Probus (232-282), but there is no historical or genetic evidence for this. The variety was first mentioned in the Rhône in 1781. After the phylloxera disaster, many vineyards planted with it were abandoned towards the end of the 19th century. In the 1960s, the variety was cultivated on only 14 hectares in France. In recent decades, however, it has come back into fashion and now occupies a total of 8,823 hectares of vineyards. The variety is part of the Rhône recipe and is permitted there in the Château-Grillet, Condrieu, Côte Rôtie, Côtes du Rhône and Lirac appellations (but not, for example, Châteauneuf-du-Pape). However, it is also widespread in large parts of the south, especially in Languedoc but also in Roussillon.
Other countries in Europe are Germany (Pfalz), Greece, Italy (1,827 ha), Malta, Moldova (31 ha), Austria, Portugal (125 ha), Romania (20 ha), Switzerland (44 ha), Spain (213 ha), Turkey (15 ha), Switzerland (31 ha) and Hungary (13 ha). Non-European countries are Argentina (773 ha), Australia (753 ha), Brazil (11 ha), Chile (839 ha), Israel, Canada (101 ha), New Zealand (129 ha), South Africa (822 ha), Thailand (1 ha), Uruguay (41 ha) and the USA with some states (1,481 ha). In California, there is even a winegrowers' association called "The Viognier Guild". In 2016, a total of 16,063 hectares of vineyards were designated, with an upward trend. Compared to 1990, when there were 3,160 hectares, this means five times the amount. It is thus in 49th place in the global grape variety ranking (Kym Anderson statistics).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
