2021 Jean-Francois Jacouton, Viognier Granit

Jean-Francois Jacouton owns a handful of parcels in northern Rhone from which he produces an array of high-quality wines. All vineyards are herbicide free, practicing organic, and managed and harvested by hand. Before tending his own vines, Jean-Francois studied with Domaine Rostaing in Cote-Rotie, and Pierre Boniface in Savoie, which is evident in the lively and taut style of his wines.

This Viognier is sourced from just two parcels of vines averaging 35 years old, planted on granite slopes in St. Joseph. The wine is raised mainly in cement tanks, with about 1/4 seeing neutral barrels. It is a refreshingly lean Viognier, offering all the gorgeous floral, white pepper, and apricot notes on the nose, without being at all heavy or sweet. There is excellent acidity and some round peach that lingers on the finish. It is a treat to access such beautiful Rhone Viognier at an affordable price.