From: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vaucluse, Rhône Valley, France
Varietal: Viognier

Taste: Dark golden yellow in the glass. The nose is intense and fruit-driven in its youth, opening with fresh notes of apricot, peach, and jasmine. With a year or more of bottle age, these notes evolve into deeper layers of dried apricot, ripe peach, acacia honey, and quince. On the palate, the wine is supple and bright initially, characterized by flavors of stone fruit and citrus peel, complemented by subtle floral notes. 

Pairing: Viognier’s plush texture and expressive aromatics make it a good match for dishes with floral, creamy, or spiced elements. In its youth, this Viognier complements aperitifs, summer salads, grilled white fish, sushi, and sweet and savory Asian cuisine—dishes that benefit from its bright fruit and floral lift. Its natural affinity for aromatic herbs and subtle sweetness also makes it an excellent match for grilled shrimp with saffron aioli or a Vietnamese lemongrass tofu rice bowl.

About: Maison Brotte is headquartered in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the Vaucluse department of southern France, where it has played a defining role in shaping the identity of Rhône Valley wines for nearly a century. Though officially founded in 1931 by Charles Brotte, the family’s involvement with wine dates back to 1880. At that time, two ancestors—Mr. Amouroux in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Mr. Clouplet in Cairanne were already tending vineyards that would later become the foundation for the family’s Domaines Barville and Grosset holdings