Well-known for its success with red Rhône-style wines, d’Arenberg has upped its game with this 2020 white blend. The winery recently converted all vineyards over to sustainable farming. For this white, a portion of the Viognier was fermented and then aged in French oak for 8 months. Pale yellow, the wine offers a pleasing mix aroma of lemon drop, orange rind with a hint of ginger. It is smooth and slightly viscous on the palate, yet the generous flavors are balanced and kept alive by good acidity. It holds up well a day after being opened, and best of all, it is widely available and nicely priced.
d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale (Australia) Viognier – Marsanne 2020
By Norm Roby