When we think of Long Island wines, we can think of Cabernet Franc for the red and Chardonnay or Riesling for the white. But Viognier is another beautiful Long Island wine to consider. Viognier is a grape most often associated with the Rhône Valley region of France, but two Long Island wineries have captured the essence of this beautiful grape and produced two wines that are both accessible and elegant.
The first is the Viognier RGNY 2018. This sophisticated wine is produced from 100% Viognier grapes fermented in stainless steel tanks with 20% of the juice aged for six months in French oak barrels.
There are no oak flavor characteristics imparted to the wine, but there is a nice smooth mouth feel. This wine is supple, smooth, floral, with light notes of pineapple. It sells for $ 33. Visit the RGNY website at rgnywine.com.
The second is the Viognier 2020 Peconic Bay Vineyards. This gorgeous wine comes in a graceful Moselle style bottle and the wine inside is just as charming. Unlike the Viognier RGNY, this wine does not spend time in oak barrels. Peconic Bay winemaker Greg Gove says, “This wine has been completely fermented in stainless steel at cool temperatures. He adds: “I used a known strain of yeast to express the aromatic character of this grape.
It is a lyrical wine with notes of citrus, hibiscus and honeysuckle. It is also soft and silky. It costs $ 22. Visit the Peconic Bay Vineyards website at peconic-bay-vineyards.square.site.
This grape is a pleasure to pair with light foods, such as salads, seafood and pasta with light or creamy sauces. While it is easily a wine of choice for the summer, it should not be ruled out year round as a light and refreshing alternative – without overly aggressive citrus or acidity – to the expected whites such as sauvignon blanc or even pinot. grigio.
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