This intensely flavored white wine grape is famous for the being the variety used in the rare, expensive and unique northern Cotes du Rhone wines, Condrieu and Chateau Grillet Rhone. The wines from Viognier have a "sappy" flavor, strongly reminiscent, some say, of apricots and peach stones. The wines are relatively high in alcohol, slightly low in acidity and highly floral. It blends well with less characterful grapes -- Marsanne and Vermentino (Rolle in France). Viognier vines stand up well to heat and are planted in California and Australia. Blended or stand-alone, Viognier's wines are best drunk young.