It is so interesting to try different grape varieties, from different parts of the world – and this organic Viognier Zuccardi 2014 from Mendoza, Argentina, is a pleasant surprise for me – especially considering its price (87 SEK at Systembolaget in Sweden, nr 6059)! I give it 81 points!

When we tried this wine at our dinner, our friends found it very pleasant to drink – even as an aperitif without food. The grape variety Viognier is well-known from Northern Rhône in France, together with Marsanne and Rousanne. The Viognier grape has a very exotic note of apricot, spice and floral aromas, and a rich mouthfeel – as well as quite low acidity but high alcohol level.

The Mendoza province dominates winemaking in Argentina, and produces more than 70 % of the wine. It is even one of the largest winemaking regions of the world. The Zuccardi family is today Argentina’s largest family-owned wine growers, and try to experiment with new grape varieties since the 1960’s.

On the nose you find an intense note of white flowers and stone fruits like peach and apricots, and some honey. This wine has not been oaked, in order to retain its fresh fruitiness.

On the palate you can taste ripe stone fruits like apricots and green fruits like pear. You also feel the floral notes as well as spicy tones – in a well-balanced mix. The alcohol level is 13 %.

This wine is good on its own, but you can combine it with dishes of light meat, chicken dishes, pork dishes as well as fish dishes. Also sallads are fine – as well as many Asian dishes thanks to the spicy tones. It is perfect to drink now but not so good for ageing!

So just enjoy it 🙂