Frolic Viognier

Of all the remarkable white grapes of France, Viognier enjoys the greatest anonymity. In 1965 only twenty acres of Viognier grape existed in its Northern Rhône homeland appellation of Condrieu where the grape had grown for at least 2000 years.

Legend says its name is from the Roman pronunciation of the via Gehennae, meaning the "road to Hell", referring to the difficulty of growing this grape because it is prone to powdery mildew, has low and unpredictable yields and should be picked only when fully ripe, preferring a sunny but elongated growing season.

The palate is deliciously exotic and opulent with delicate white peach and apricot fruit combined with nicely balancing acidity. Tasted blind, you’d instantly recognize its signature scent and flavors of peach and apricots.

The subtle floral notes make it a perfect match with sushi and sashimi.

Perfect paired with spicy dishes, such as spicy oriental stir-frys and curry, especially Thai-style made with coconut milk. Also think of fruit salsas or sliced peaches or apricots, atop grilled fish or chicken, which Frolic will transform into heaven in your mouth.

Frolic ~ uninhibited enjoyment in high spirits.

Why "Frolic " ~ This Viognier has a light, honey flavor which will evoke feelings of gaiety, merriment or playfulness. It seemed that Homer was describing our Viognier when he wrote, "Wine can of their wits the wise beguile; make the sage frolic and the serious smile."

Pronounced [Vee-on-yay]

The Viognier grape is somewhat difficult to grow, disliking damp conditions or humid climates and liking a lot of sun but not too much heat.

We grow our Viognier in the center of the sunny McDowell Valley in Mendocino County positioned between a river and a lake where it gets the benefit of sun all day but also receives the cooling effect of the chill water, lengthening the growth cycle to develop the full flavor set of a Rhône Viognier.

It is imperative for it to be harvested at the perfect point of maturity to show its unique, honeysuckle-apricot-orange aroma and creamy flavor characteristics. Unless the grape is fully ripe, its distinctive aromas do not emerge.

Because it has a tendency to develop high sugar but low acid it can produce wines with neutral flavor and high alcohol. With correct terroir and vinification we have addressed these issues but the rarity of quality Viognier and the associated extra growing and production costs makes it relatively expensive to produce.

With its potential for tropical fruit flavors and creamy mouthfeel we designate a little wood aging in French Oak barrels for our Frolic Viognier. This makes it a little more full-bodied with a more distinctive fruit character, all delivered via a deep golden color and rich and intense flavor.

This special vineyard gives birth to a unique white wine with a golden yellow color, endowed with intense and subtle aromas of honeysuckle, apricot and pine nut.