Hello Friends and Wine Lovers!

Welcome to the Carpe Vinum Friday Flights announcement! This week we’re tasting one of my favorite white wine varietals: Viognier! If you get confused about the pronunciation, the grape does have its roots in France, both literally and figuratively. So to make it sound French, it’s pronounced “VEE-own-YAY”. Notice that it ends with a “YAY!” I don’t think that’s an accident. This is one of the most underrated white wine varietals in the world, and makes a wonderful summer slurper.

Viognier, as I stated earlier, has its humble beginnings in the vineyards of the French Rhone. Often it is found interspersed throughout the vineyards, lending a soothing character to the Syrah and Carignan and Grenache-based (yes, red) blends. This has been repeatedly copied throughout the world, and the Shiraz/Viognier combination is often seen. Of course, I’ve seen some blends with as low as 1% Viognier to the 99% Syrah, which raises the question of why it’s even mentioned on the label. The answer is simple: YAY!

So here are a few old favorites, a few new favorites, and an extra-special selection from K Vintners. You know, the folks responsible for all the really nice Walla Walla Syrahs and the quintessential Magnificent Wine Company’s “House Wine” that has pleased us so well. Their Viognier is something to be had, and soon, since it’s made in such a small quantity and, like their other wines, sells out quickly!

Also notice that “Chardonnay” ends with a “Nay.” So, what’s your vote? “YAY” or “Nay”?

(In a similar manner “Syrah” ends with “RAH” and inconsequentially “Pinot Grigio” ends with “YO” and Pinot Noir ends with “ARRR!”, making it a Pirate wine. “Avarrst, matey! I’ll have the Pinot No-ARRR!”)

So Friday, August 19th, between 4:30 and 9:00 PM it’s:

Viognier!
Yalumba 2004 Viognier, Barossa, South Australia
McManis 2003 Viognier, Lodi, California
Kumkani 2004 Viognier, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Zaca Mesa 2003 Viognier, Santa Ynez Valley, California
Domaine de la Janasse 2002 Viognier, Vin de Pays de Principaute d’Orange, France

Vee-Own-YAY!!
Kangarilla Road 2004 Viognier, McLarren Vale, Australia
K Vintners 2004 Viognier, Columbia Valley, Washington

A stellar deal at $10 for the First 5, and $6 for the Extra 2 Premium Pours
Hope to see you here!
Seize the Wine!

Next Friday tasting is Wines of Washington!

M