By Chris and Sherry Hardie
Viognier "vee-on-yay" is the white wine version of pinot noir. The grapes are difficult to grow and a challenge for winemakers, but the end result makes the effort worthwhile.
The grape was close to extinction in the 1960s, with fewer than 35 acres in France, but has enjoyed a comeback, particularly in California, where this wine comes from.
Bonterra makes organic wines and uses natural practices such as free-ranging chickens to eat bugs, grazing sheep to trim the grass as well as using cover crops and raising honey bees.
This vintage also features a splash of marsanne and roussanne grapes. Orchard fruit aromas of peach and honeysuckle give way to apricot and citrus flavors laced with just a hint of vanilla.
Sherry: "Citrus with elements of lime, grapefruit and pineapple." 2-1/2 stars
Chris: "Apricot and pineapple flavors with zesty citrus." 3 stars Available locally for about $13.
Coming next week: Il Conte d'Alba Moscato d'Asti
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