2008 Indian Creek California Viognier

About This Wine

Viognier is responsible for many of the greatest wines produced in France’s Rhone Valley.

The variety is conducive to a wide array of wine styles, ranging from thick, mouth-filling and exotic to crisp, fresh and fruity. Before 1990, there were hardly any Viognier vines planted in California; today, there are around 2,000 acres devoted to the variety.

The first vines were introduced to the Golden State in the early 1980s at Calera, and Viognier continues to be that estate’s signature wine. Its 2008 vintage was priced at a hefty $30 per bottle and already is sold out. But since 1990, more Viognier has been planted around the state to meet the growing demand from Americans.

At Napa’s Pine Ridge Winery, a splash of Viognier is added to the estate’s Chenin Blanc bottling to lend additional interest. At Indian Creek, Viognier is the star, commanding a full 96% of this featured cuvee. It may never be as famous as its Rhone cousins, but it’s every bit as delicious.

About Viognier

Rare grape of France's Rhone valley. Produces a floral, full-bodied spicy wine. Yields vary widely and it's hard to grow in other places.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:96% Viognier and 4% Other White Varieties
• Grape Source:Select Vineyards in Various California Growing Regions
• Aromas & Flavors:White Peach, Orange Rind, Pineapple & a Hint of Honey
• When to Drink:Now Through Mid-2012
• Food Pairing Suggestionspicy Thai or Vietnamese cuisine, or sashimi.

Member Ratings

Recipes.

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  Asparagus & Morel Salad Summertime is salad time, and any of your favorite white wines would be great matches for this recipe, courtesy of Masa's restaurant in San Francisco. It serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Glazed Lemon Cookies Desserts can be challenging to match with wines, but when the overriding flavor of the treat is lemon, the possibilities multiply. Try these cookies (this recipe yields about 38 cookies) with Viognier, off-dry Chenin Blanc, Gruner Veltliner or Riesling... Get The Recipe
  

  Fettuccine Alfredo Try this recipe - a flavorful change of pace from the typical Alfredo sauce - with Pietra Santa's "Sasso Bianco," or any other medium-bodied to full-flavored white wine. It serves 6 to 8... Get The Recipe
  

  Shrimp & Peppers Over Fettucine A delicious spring entree. Shrimp and Peppers over Fettuccine. This recipe makes 2 servings, and is best enjoyed with a glass of white wine... Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
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  Herb Crusted Tuna Steaks This recipe is extremely versatile, matching well with most white and lighter red wines. It makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Lemony Lamb Chops Here's a versatile dish that matches well with red Bordeaux or Merlot, yet also can be enjoyed with white wines because of its lemon-flavored sauce. It makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe