# West Viognier (2022)

- **Producer:** West Wines
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Viognier
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €31
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, honeysuckle, apricot, blossom

## About this wine

The West Viognier 2022 is a single-varietal wine from West Wines, a family-owned winery established in 1998 by Katarina Bonde and Bengt Akerlind. Located in the Dry Creek Valley AVA of Sonoma County, the winery is dedicated to traditional French winemaking methods. The estate vineyards are farmed sustainably, with one parcel situated by the creek and another on a ridge. The 2022 vintage benefited from a long, warm growing season, ideal for Viognier's development.

## Interesting facts

- West Wines' Cabernet Sauvignon was served at the Nobel Awards banquet.
- The winery is family-owned, founded by Katarina Bonde and Bengt Akerlind.
- Viognier grapes are known for their susceptibility to powdery mildew, requiring careful vineyard management.
- The estate vineyards are situated both by the creek and on a ridge with southern/western exposure.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and aromatic profile complement richer seafood and poultry dishes. Its balanced acidity can cut through creamy sauces, while its fruit notes harmonize with sweet and savory elements in vegetable-forward preparations.

## Wine making process

The West Viognier 2022 is produced from 100% Viognier grapes. The winemaking process begins with hand-harvesting and careful sorting of the fruit, followed by whole-cluster pressing. The resulting juice is settled before undergoing fermentation in stainless steel tanks for a period of 4-5 months. This method is employed to preserve the varietal's aromatic characteristics. The wine is then bottled, with no further aging details specified for this vintage.