Maison les Alexandrins, Vin de France (France) Viognier 2023 ($15 Vineyard Brands)

A partnership between two winegrowers from the Rhône Valley – Nicolas Jaboulet and Alexandre Caso – Maison les Alexandrins offers a wide range of Rhône and Rhône-style wines. Condrieu and other Viognier-based wines are produced along with this entry-level version. The grapes come from high-altitude vineyards, mainly located on the slopes in the Ardèche, and the wine is stainless steel fermented and bottled young. It is straw colored, and it opens up with fresh melon and honeysuckle aromas. It continues the fresh and lively theme through flavors of lemon zest and ginger, ending on a pleasing crisp finish. Yes, it has a youthful aftertaste with good acidity which confirms it is not the often encountered opulent, over-ripe, tropical Viognier.
91 Norm Roby