For the love of Viognier

On 25 April, we celebrated International Viognier day and we have more to celebrate than most!

Côte 128 Pech Sévignac Viognier

Did you know that when Laurent planted Viognier in 1992, he was the first winemaker to plant this grape in the Languedoc? Viognier is probably best known for the full-flavoured, oaked, expensive wines of the small Condrieu appellation in the Northern Rhône, but Laurent knew he could create something special in family hillside vineyards around Château Cazal Viel.

Viognier can be a finicky grape - it likes a warm and dry climate, however it can be prone to over-ripeness, which can produce a flabby wine, with too much alcohol and little freshness. To combat the heat of the Languedoc summer, Laurent planted the Viognier in a north to south direction, which means the canopy of leaves protects the grapes from the intense sunlight in the middle of the day. We also harvest our grapes by night to take advantage of the cooler night-time temperatures which preserve freshness and reduce sugar levels.

Laurent Miquel has an established reputation for Viognier wines that have elegance and finesse. We producer many styles of Viognier, from crisp and unoaked to fuller, more opulent wines. Laurent says that the people of the Languedoc "have always had a rebellious reputation amongst our fellow country-men. I am adding to this by questioning the establishment ‘rules’ and producing innovative, exciting and delicious new wines".

We'll drink to that!