By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief
You don't see much viognier on Long Island and what is grown here usually ends up as a small percentage (20% or less) of local white blends, especially at Bedell Cellars, where it plays a supporting role in three different wines.
But at Martha Clara Vineyards, it's bottled by itself every year, making for a unique opportunity to taste this grape.
Martha Clara Vineyards 2008 Viognier ($18) bursts with white flowers on the nose with layers of honey, peach, cantaloupe and lemon balm.
Medium-to-full bodied, the palate is peachy and floral with a little tropical fruit character. The mouthfeel is slightly rich with a bit of a glycerin feel that is cut and balanced by very fresh acidity. The finish is medium-long but does show some citrus pith bitterness.
Producer: Martha Clara Vineyards
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
ABV: 13.3%
Harvest Brix: 22.5
Production: 560 cases
Price: $19*
Rating:
(2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)
Maiolatesi in Pa. makes a VG viognier from LI fruit. It got me intrested in what LI was doing with with the variety. Surprised there's not that much of it.
Posted by: David Falchek | March 31, 2010 at 01:53 PM
Bedell, before using it in their three blends, used to bottle it on its own. It was good.
I think the biggest issue is that there just isn't a lot planted here.
Posted by: Lenn Thompson | March 31, 2010 at 01:54 PM
I can think of 2 more acres of Viognier to be planted next month.
Charlie Hargrave (Peconic Bay Winery) is planting 2 acres of Viognier to complement a new five acre parcel of Sauvignon Blanc.
Like Bedell, I believe Viognier is a wonderful blending grape, with both white and red wines. On its own, less often good, but always interesting.
Posted by: jim silver | March 31, 2010 at 07:37 PM
Nice blog. Enjoyed it very much as Viogner from California is one of my favourite. Keep on posting.
Posted by: Hampers | April 01, 2010 at 01:37 AM