Wines Marlborough Wairau River - Viognier - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Wairau River's 2023 Viognier from Marlborough is a delightful expression of this aromatic grape. The 2023 vintage benefited from a cool, prolonged growing season, allowing the Viognier bunches to ripen slowly and achieve excellent flavour development while retaining a vibrant acidity. Grown on alluvial soils characteristic of the Wairau Valley, the grapes reflect the purity and freshness that define Marlborough whites. Typically, Viognier in this region is vinified in stainless steel tanks, although a portion may see some older oak for texture. The resulting wine delivers expressive aromas of ripe peach, apricot, and hints of orange blossom, with a rounded palate, gentle minerality, and a lingering, zesty finish.

Marlborough, located at the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, is world-renowned for its crisp Sauvignon Blancs, but increasingly also for aromatic varietals like Viognier. The region enjoys ample sunshine hours, cool nights, and a cooling maritime influence, which preserves acidity and enhances aromatic complexity in white wines. The free-draining alluvial soils contribute to vibrant fruit intensity, while the area's viticultural history—dating back to the 1970s—has seen it mature into one of the premium New World white wine regions.

This Viognier’s expressive fruit and plush mouthfeel make it an especially versatile partner at the table. Its stone fruit and floral notes pair beautifully with fragrant Middle Eastern or Asian dishes, such as chicken tagine with apricots, Thai green curry, or ginger-infused grilled prawns. Classic regional options could include New Zealand green-lipped mussels or simply grilled white fish with lemon and herbs, allowing the wine’s aromatics to shine without overpowering the food.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Viognier chilled but not too cold—between 10-12°C is ideal. This allows its delicate floral and fruit notes to fully express themselves while maintaining the refreshing lift and precision typical of Marlborough whites. Decanting is not necessary, but allowing the wine a few minutes in the glass will help it open up beautifully.