Viognier is a full-bodied white wine. Primary flavors of tangerine, peach, mango, honeysuckle, and rose. Cooler climate styles have greater citrus and floral traits with more acid and crispness. These wines are typically aged in stainless steel. Warmer climate Viognier is barrel aged, goes through malolactic fermentation, and therefore has richer tastes such as apricot, rose, and vanilla. These wines have less acidity and more creaminess. Viognier has become more popular in recent years with more plantings in California.

Languedoc in the South of France is located south of the Rhone Valley and stretches to the Mediterranean Sea. It is west of Provence and the French Riviera along the Mediterranean and extends west into the Pyrenees Mountains.

Tonight, we try these three wines from Trader Joe’s.

1. 2023 Honey Moon Viognier, purchased for $5.99. Aromas of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle. Flavors of honey, mango, and nectar. Floral scents, lush, full-bodied. This wine comes from California. 13.5% alcohol. Pairs with many cheeses, fish, white meats, and spicy foods. Hard to find much information, but two websites said it does not have residual sugar, even though it has a sweet taste. Many reviews also said it is a great summer sipper all by itself. Both of us scored this wine a 2 out of 5.
2. 2024 Carayon La Rose is from the Languedoc in the South of France. Trader Joe’s had this wine for $6.99. It has strawberry and fruit aromas and tastes. It is crisp yet ripe. It has 12.5% alcohol. Denise scored a 2. Dennis scored a
3. 2023 Rain Cloud red blend from Napa, California. Purchased for $6.99. Aromas of blackberry, cherry, and currant, with hints of vanilla and spice. Many reviews mention a jammy taste. 14.5% alcohol. According to the Blonde Voyage Nashville, this wine is made with 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Petite Syrah. Denise scored a 3 and Dennis scored a 2.

Next week we will continue our tasting of Trader Joe’s wines.