Wine Quiz – Viognier – Grape to Glass

How well do you know Viognier ?

The world of wine is vibrant, constantly changing and ever so interesting. Everyday wine enthusiasts can learn & share their new experiences with good food & friends. So the following ‘Wine Quiz’ is a little bit of fun and learning for all - and for those a little more competitive a personal test of your wine knowledge.

● So you think you know the home of Viognier ?
● Or - You think you know the different characters of Viognier ?

Take this short Viognier Quiz & find out.

1 / 12

The exact lineage and origin of Viognier is still to be confirmed. But where in France is the agreed spiritual home of Viognier - the name of the appellation where only 100% Viognier can be used to make wine?

Cahors

Cornas

Corbieres

Condrieu

2 / 12

Like all quality wine grape varietals - Viognier as a vine starts to hit its peak, starts to produce its best quality fruit from what vine age?

5-10 years of age.

10-15 years of age.

15-20 years of age.

25-30 years of age.

3 / 12

In the 1950’s & ‘60’s Viognier as a varietal nearly became extinct in Condrieu, Rhône Valley - with only 10 hectares planted. Today wines of Condrieu are a benchmark style - approximately how many hectares are planted?

102 hectares of Viognier in Condrieu.

122 hectares of Viognier in Condrieu.

152 hectares of Viognier in Condrieu.

192 hectares of Viognier in Condrieu.

4 / 12

Even though Condrieu is located at the northern end of the Rhône Valley - the region is relatively warm and more ideal for ripening red grapes - what is the name of northly wind that cools things down to keep Viognier fresh and vibrant?

Maestro

Mistral

Mistress

Mystic

5 / 12

When grown in ideal conditions - Viognier can produce a quality wine on its own. But on a regular basis in the Rhône Valley it is blended with other white varietals - which of the following are the 2 usual suspects?

Chenin Blanc + Pinot Blanc

Roussanne + Marsanne

Semillon + Sauvignon

Albariño + Arneis

6 / 12

In the wine region of Côte-Rôtie up to 20% Viognier can be used in a red wine blend - but most winemakers don’t use more than 5%. Which of the following is the main reason for adding Viognier to the blend?

Colour stabilisation in red wine blends.

Improving the aroma in red wine blends.

Gives a more rounded mouthfeel to red blends.

All of the Above.

7 / 12

As a grape producing vine - Viognier is renowned for producing / yielding what level of crop?

It tends to crop low yields.

It tends to crop medium yields.

It tends to crop high yields.

It tends to typically over crop.

8 / 12

Even with DNA analysis, the exact origin and parents of Viognier are still to be confirmed - as it is a complex process. But currently one family member and cousin have been identified - which of the following is correct?

Viognier is related to Semillon and is therefore related to Merlot.

Viognier is related to Chardonnay and is therefore related to Pinot Noir.

Viognier is related to Mondeuse Blanche and is therefore related to Syrah.

Viognier is related to Sauvignon Blanc, therefore related to Cabernet Sauvignon.

9 / 12

Viognier can produce elegant, dry white wines - through to luscious sweet dessert wines. But when it comes to ripening - compared to other white varietals, typically when does Viognier tend to ripen?

It never ripens.

It tends to ripen late.

It ripens with most other grapes.

It tends to ripen early.

10 / 12

Which of the following describes the typical range of aromas and flavours you can find in Viognier grapes and the resulting crafted wines?

Aromas / flavours of honeysuckle, green fruits, a hint of minerality and delicate finish.

Aromas / flavours of fresh herbs, citrus fruits, with delicate layers and a long lingering finish.

Aromas / flavours of white flowers, sweet peaches, apricots, nashi pears and a luscious finish.

All of the Above.

11 / 12

Viognier can be a versatile grape varietal - depending upon the terroir and growing conditions. With the flavours described above, which of the following is the more ideal food pairing with Viognier?

A classic off-dry style of Viognier pairs well with - seafood and varied vegetarian cuisine.

A lightly oaked style Viognier pairs well with - Thai cuisine and lightly seasoned chicken dishes.

A sweet dessert style Viognier pairs well with - lemon meringue pie or a creamy blue style cheeses.

All of the Above.

12 / 12

Which of the following New Zealand Wineries has an acclaimed reputation for crafting a charming 'barrel fermented' Viognier - (with the wine typically allowed to age on lees for around 8-10 months)?

Brookfields

Jules Taylor

Matawhero

Rimu Grove

Your score is

The average score is 55%