Pillitteri Estates is best known for their ice wines, but they also make a diverse collection of table wines.  While the climate of Niagara on the Lake isn’t well suited for grapes that take a particularly long time to ripen, it does well with certain grapes, like riesling and vidal blanc. Both of which are lighter whites, so what if you want something more full-bodied?  Fortunately, Pillitteri Estates Viognier 2012 is there to fulfill all of your large, aromatic white needs.

Sight:  Light gold with watery edges

Smell:  Pears, honeysuckle, and honeydew melon are all present.  The nose is delightfully fruity, packed with ripe apples, pears, and melons.  The floral notes add a nice complexity.

Sip:  The flavor starts off with unripe honeydew melons, and moves more into floral territory with honeysuckle and orange blossoms.  The mouthfeel is very round, smooth, and devoid of any sweetness.  A solid note of brightness is quite pleasant.   Hints of citrus round it out.

Savor: The ending channels more floral elements and just more or less vanishes.

Pillitteri Estates Viognier 2012 is a nice viognier, but definitely is cool climate.  Again, there is that elegance here in the balance of texture and mouthfeel.  Everything about this wine is pleasant, but not standout.  That said, it’s very servicable, and with such a small number of viognier, Pillitteri Estates Viognier 2012 will deliver if you’re in need of one.

Verdict: Bright, Honeydew, Floral, Full-Bodied
Price: $20 CAD (about $14.50 USD)
Niagara On The Lake, Ontario, Canada