Abbotts & Delaunay Fleurs Sauvages Viognier 2018 - Majestic

A good value, well-made white Rhône grape transported to Languedoc

Abbotts & Delaunay Fleurs Sauvages Viognier, 2018

Condrieu, in the northern Rhône, is the spiritual home of the Viognier grape; it's a lovely wine and I've always enjoyed it. Made from late-ripening grapes, it is an easy-drinking glass of delicious peachy fruit.

However, you'll have to dig deep; even an "entry-level" bottle here can set you back north of £30, so it's not something I drink often.

At around £10, however, Viognier is a much more compelling proposition, especially if it's as well made as this one.

This Abbots & Delaunay Fleurs Sauvages Viognier, like all their wines balances New World purity with Burgundian elegance.

Abbotts & Delaunay Fleurs Sauvages Viognier, 2018 (£9.99, £7.99 mix six at Majestic) floral with honeysuckle, ripe stone fruit and sweet spices; melon, nectarine and pineapple with saline-minerality. Full, supple, elegant and very well-made from good fruit.

Good.

Improves with aeration; drinking nicely now but will also take a little aging.

A summer sipper, match with scallops, sole in butter or chicken liver pate.

Here's Tom Cannavan's video review.