The Foundry Viognier 2022

During the second half of the 20^th century, Viognier plantings were confined to the northern Rhône appellation of Condrieu and became so limited that the variety was in danger of extinction. It offers both perfume and body, however, and these hedonistic pleasures were seized upon and so it came to be planted throughout the world of wine – there were 639ha of it in South Africa at the end of 2023, making it the 18^th most planted variety.

Viognier is often difficult to drink precisely because of its extravagant aromatics and typically big palate weight but Chris Williams makes one of the more balanced local versions.  His Foundry 2022 from Stellenbosch was fermented and matured for nine months in neutral barrels.

On the nose, peach, floral perfume and a subtle herbal note while the palate shows concentrated fruit, zippy acidity and a dry finish. Full but balanced, this has a winning sweetness about it, a residual sugar of 3.7g/l adding nice weight. Alcohol, meanwhile, is 13.43%, total acidity is 6.1g/l and pH 3.53. Price: R250 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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