Who makes it?

Yalumba The Virgilius Viognier is part of Viognier story from the Hill-Smith portfolio. It is without a doubt one of the flagship wines of the brand. And unsurprisingly, one of the benchmark white wines for Australia. Yalumba have proven themselves as the Australian specialists of this Condrieu grape. For over three decades, Robert Hill-Smith and his passionate team have honed their Viognier expertise and have kept their nursery well stocked with new imported clones to trial in their Eden Valley vineyards. 

This means the Virgilius is just one version amongst a storybook full of viognier expression from Yalumba. A parcel of the vines for this wine were planted in the 1980s.

Want to know more about the Yalumba and the family who make the wine? Please read ‘ Yalumba – all the land around ‘.

How do they make it?

Some  judicious use of oak adds a definite graceful richness to the Virgilius. A wild ferment in barrel and then a further 10 months resting on lees adds body and finesse.  Of course, with a wine such as this, the barrels are already seasoned and a range of formats where used. French oak. Although, surely that goes without needing to be said!

Want to know more about the grape Viognier? Please read ‘ The veritable story of Viognier, Vermentino & Verduzzo ‘

What does it taste like?

As it is released with a few years in the bottle already, it shows some honeyed waxiness to the peppery apricot fruit and ginger spice. There is also a savoury slug of minerality there too. It is fuller in body and softly rounded. However, it still retains that fresh acid to pull it all together. 

What to drink it with?

It is a contemplative savoury wine that keeps the conversation going, and is a good companion with a wide range of food. Including heavier flavoured dishes such as pork, spiced roast chicken or a buttery almond sauce over fish. If you prefer vegetarian options, then mushroom risotto is the thing. You can even add truffles if you like.

Cheese

Brie will be a good match. 

Quickie review « Very elegant and stylish version of Viognier that has great cellar potential. »

Country of Origin: Eden Valley, Australia
Tasting Date: January 2023
Price:  UK £ | AU$50  |USD$ ++ 
Drink: now – 7+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: Tasting

Like the sound of this viognier, you might like the
Yalumba ‘Y Series’ Viognier
Yalumba Organic Viognier

Visit yalumba for more.