Viognier is an aromatic white grape variety of French origin, first cultivated in the Rhône Valley, and now grown in various wine-producing regions around the world. It has also found a home in Alto Monferrato, where the climate and exposure allow its aromatic profile to shine.
Amidst the hills of Vinchio and Vaglio, this international grape variety has found a terroir capable of reinterpreting it without distorting its character, with a surprising balance: our interpretations with Lipiai and Magalon are perfect for fresh, versatile and contemporary cuisine.
Viognier’s beginnings: a rare grape variety from the Rhône Valley
Viognier is native to the northern Rhône Valley in France, where for a long time it was considered a difficult and low-yielding grape variety. After nearly becoming extinct in the 20th century, it was gradually rediscovered and promoted, eventually becoming a symbol of international aromatic viticulture.
Viognier arrived in Italy between the 1980s and 1990s, becoming part of the wider trend towards international grape varieties. It is not a simple variety: it requires careful cultivation and favourable climatic conditions to fully express its highly recognisable aromatic profile, with notes of peach and apricot, white flowers, hints of tropical fruit and a soft, enveloping structure.
Monferrato, thanks to its breezy hills, significant temperature variation between day and night, and calcareous-clay soil, has proven to be a particularly suited region to preserving the wine’s freshness and balance.
Viognier: a white wine to enjoy with friends
Viognier is a wine that is naturally suited to the summer season. It combines aromatic intensity, a smooth mouthfeel, balanced freshness and, above all, great drinkability.
Its sensory profile makes it ideal for aperitifs, al fresco lunches and as an accompaniment to Mediterranean cuisine. In short, grab a starter of raw or marinated fish, some grilled fish, vegetable sides, lightly spiced dishes or fresh goat’s cheese, pour yourself a glass of Viognier and… enjoy the sunset.
And for lunch? Nothing beats a Caprese salad with a glass of Lipiai!
Cantina Vinchio Vaglio: two interpretations of Viognier
At Cantina Vinchio Vaglio, Viognier is interpreted within a strongly regional context, with two wines that offer complementary takes on this versatile grape variety.
Lipiai Piemonte DOC Viognier
Lipiai is the geographical name that refers to a hill in Vaglio Serra that is particularly suited to vine cultivation, characterised by a wide plateau at its summit, where children would traditionally gather to play the “Gioco della Lippa”, when all it took was two wooden sticks to enjoy each other’s company. A name that evokes conviviality and light-heartedness, perfectly suited to this wine, which is ideal for an aperitif with friends.
The grapes undergo soft pressing, with the clear must separated from the more turbid must. After clarification, the clear must is transferred to stainless steel tanks for alcoholic fermentation lasting around 20 days, following which it rests in concrete tanks for approximately 5 months and then in the bottle, where it remains for a further 3 months before release.Tasting notes: a clear, bright straw-yellow colour; aromatic and fresh with floral notes reminiscent of white flowers such as acacia and citrus; savoury and fresh on the palate with good persistency.
Magalon Piemonte DOC Viognier
Magalon was a personality from the past century, known for being part magician, part trouble-shooter, skilled at coming out on top in any situation and solving problems in unexpected ways. He knew he was a clever sort and bragged about it with the typical French ‘grandeur’. The French Viognier grape shares with this figure the ability to have adapted well among the native varieties, yielding excellent results.
“Magalon” Piemonte DOC Viognier is Vinchio Vaglio’s Bag-in-Box produced exclusively from Viognier grapes. The wine is a deep straw yellow colour with golden highlights. On the nose, it is fruity and has good intensity. It is also characterised by notes of exotic fruit and, on the finish, a slight hint of spice.
