Y? Because It’s Meant To Be Enjoyed!
The Viognier grape is responsible for some of the most expensive white wines in France. At home on the Rhône River Valley, we are talking about Chateau Grillet with its own appellation covering only 3.5 hectares. Yalumba Winery, based in Australia’s Barossa Valley, took the initiative over 40 year ago to plant this varietal in the southern hemisphere.
Yalumba is considered to be a leader in growing this varietal in the New World, specifically in the neighboring Eden Valley with its higher, cooler elevations. The vineyards are farmed and certified sustainable. Fermentation takes place spontaneously with wild yeasts. No commercial strains here. Vegan friendly, it is bottled under their Y Series, a collection of iconic classic varietals produced in limited quantities. We are fortunate to have their Y Series Viognier available on LCBO shelves on a continuous basis. With a straw colour and medium-bodied texture, it bursts with heady aromas of melon, honeysuckle and white flowers. Aging on the lees gives us a complex tasting palate with a lingering, silky finish. While delicious to be enjoyed as an aperitif, we can think of nothing better on these hot, sultry summer days or evenings than to pair it with a chilled, rich seafood salad And don’t skimp on the lobster or crabmeat!