Anne Pichon, Vaucluse (Rhône Valley, France) Viognier 2021

 The collective name of Pichon’s wines is “Sauvage” which, in French, means “wild” rather than “savage” and refers to the estate’s comparatively hands-off approach to wine growing.  The “Sauvage” Viognier grapes, which are organically grown in sand and pebbly soils, were unsulfured.  They received only a light pressing and were vinified in stainless steel tanks.  This delicate Viognier is relatively low in alcohol (13.5 %) and is delicate and zesty, offering a pleasant change from today’s plethora of heavy, oaky white wines.