Chateau de Pennautier Viognier 2006
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In the heart of the Cabardès appellation, the vines grow on the sunny, rugged hillsides south of the Montagne Noire, set at an altitude of 650 to 1300 feet. The views from up there are breathtaking: at a glance, you can see the entire Pyrenean mountain range to the south, the Massif Central to the north, and the famous town of Carcassonne just a few miles away.
This terroir combines clay-limestone soils, the Mediterranean heat, an Atlantic influence and the coolness of the mountains. Many areas of garrigue and rock on the Montagne Noire include vines, up to an altitude of 1300 feet.
Full-figured and charmingly floral, Viognier is one of the most important white grapes of the northern Rhône where it is used both to produce single varietal wines and as an important blending grape. Look for great New World examples from California, Oregon, Washington and cooler parts of Australia. Somm Secret—Viognier plays a surprisingly important role in the red wines of Côte Rôtie in the northern Rhône. About 5% Viognier is typically co-fermented with the Syrah in order to stabilize the color, and as an added benefit, add a subtle perfume.
A small category representing the wines that either fall outside of appellation lines or don’t subscribe to the law and traditions set forth by the French government within certain classified appellations, “Vin De France” is a catch-all that includes some of the most basic French wines as well as those of superior quality. The category includes large production, value-driven wines. It also includes some that were made with a great deal of creativity, diligence and talent by those who desire to make wine outside of governmental restrictions. These used to be called Vin de Table (table wine) but were renamed to compete with other European countries' wines of similar quality.