Tasting a Luxurious Organic Viognier from La Mancha

Viognier is a grape most famously grown in the Northern Rhone region of France but has started to make an appearance globally. Coming across an organic Viognier from La Mancha, Spain, was an unexpected treat among a sea of red wine and lighter-style whites. Viognier is possibly the most gorgeously aromatic grape in the world, but can also, unfortunately, turn into an oily and heavy wine.

This, however, is not the case with the 2010 Viento Aliseao Viognier from Domino de Punctum. With moderate alcohol and a freshness preserved by harvesting the grapes at night (the cooler temperatures keep more of the natural acidity in the grapes), this is a lovely and memorable version of Viognier. Pair this wine with richer shellfish dishes and (as the winery suggests) any Asian-influenced dishes with ginger and marinated fish. I recommend a Super Simple Whole Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions; a wonderful idea.

This organic and biodynamic* winery also provided me with some Label Lust for their eye-catching, striking designs.

*You can read more about biodynamics in my review of Voodoo Vintners by Katherine Cole.