Oregon Viogniers: A Perfect Match for Oregon Cheeses

Mix Magazine (Portland's magazine of food and drink published by the Oregonian newspaper) just ran an informative southern Oregon wine and cheese article that heralds some of the region's unique cheeses and incredible viognier wines that make delightful accompaniments to these cheeses.

Photo by Motoya Nakamura

 The author of the article, Katherine Cole begins..."Ah, the mighty Rogue River Basin. Whitewater, placid pools and towering cliffs hemming in narrow canyons. Salmon and steelhead running the river below; rocky trails winding through old-growth forests above. The charming towns of Jacksonville, Ashland and Grants Pass. The orchards heavy with pears and cherries. And the vineyards..."

The article touts the southern Oregon region for one of its signature white wines: the viognier. With its abundantly fruity perfume and palate, the viognier is a wine that can tango with cheeses from Pholia Farms and Rogue Creamery, according to Cole.

Here are a few southern Oregon viognier wines that the test testing team of six food and wine pros deemed worth sipping:

CLASSIC APERITIF
2008 Valley View "Anna Maria" Applegate Valley Viognier ($22)
Available through the winery: 541-899-8468; valleyviewwinery.com

CROWD PLEASER
2009 Bridgeview Southern Oregon Viognier ($15)
Available through the winery: 541-592-4688; bridgeviewwine.com

BEST OVERALL
2009 Pebblestone Cellars "Ellis Vineyards Block 9" Rogue Valley Viognier ($19)
Available through the winery: 541-512-1704; pebblestonecellars.com