“We’ve been making Viognier in barrels for quite some time, using it in our Reserve CVC white blend. It’s been such an impressive wine that I’ve wanted to bottle it on its own for a long time. We were waiting for both the market and our winery to be ready, and I am just so excited about the possibilities for this wine.” – Alvi van der Merwe
“A White Wine for Red Wine Lovers”
Our Reserve range embodies our winery’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Each wine in this range captures the perfect ripeness of the grapes, reflecting the essence of our winemaking philosophy: Taste What’s Possible. With the release of our first wooded Viognier, we bring wine enthusiasts an intriguingly aromatic, medium-bodied white wine we like to describe as “a white wine for red wine lovers.”
A Wine With a Fascinating History
This fruit-forward, perfumed varietal comes with a fascinating history. Originating in France’s Rhône Valley and saved from near extinction in the mid-1960s, Viognier remains a rare find on South African soil, representing just 0.7% of the country’s white grape varieties.
“Our Reserve Viognier is just incredible on the palate. It truly is the result of our constant pursuit of excellence in everything we do here at Alvi’s Drift,” shares Alvi.
Our winery has become known for crafting superb-value, world-class Viognier wines. With one of the largest Viognier plantings in South Africa and as the first producer to create a retail-friendly Viognier, we’re proud to now introduce our first oak-aged Viognier, as part of our acclaimed Reserve range.
Perfectly Ripened Grapes Picked Early Morning
To make this wine, we start by hand-picking optimally ripe grapes in the cool early morning hours. The grapes are carefully pressed, with preference given to free-run juice. Fermentation begins with wild yeast in a combination of cement and stainless-steel tanks, before being completed in 100% French oak barrels, which adds beautiful complexity to the final product.
Floral Notes and Hints of Toasted Coriander
Our very first Reserve Viognier wine shines pale gold in the glass, offering a bouquet of ripe peach, juicy apricot, and tropical notes of mango and pineapple. Subtle floral notes and nuanced oak ageing add depth, complemented by hints of toasted coriander seeds and vanilla. On the palate, this aromatic wine delivers a well-balanced, rounded mouthfeel with a lingering finish.
Reserve Viognier Food Pairing Suggestion
This Viognier is a wonderful choice for festive celebrations, pairing beautifully with creamy seafood risotto, aromatic Thai curries, and richer dishes. For optimal enjoyment, serve it between 10-12°C. It will age gracefully for up to eight years, making it a unique and versatile gift for wine lovers.
