Vermentino vs Viognier

Comparing Vermentino vs Viognier wine makes sense, after all, they sound similar, but they’re very different wines

Vermentino is lighter bodied than Viognier, with white floral and mineral notes. Viognier is fuller bodied, lower acid, with stone fruit and floral notes. Both are medium alcohol and dry to off-dry in style.

Here’s what you need to know about Vermentino vs Viognier.

Vermentino Basics: Mediterranean Classic

Vermentino, a true Mediterranean wine, offers a captivating experience. With origins in regions such as Italy, France (where it is known as Rolle), and Sardinia, Vermentino showcases a distinct character. 

Vermentino’s vibrant acidity and refreshing citrus profile pair well with sun-drenched terraces and light Mediterranean cuisine. 

Vermentino will usually have a medium body, providing more weight on the palate. Its flavor profile includes hints of tropical fruits, citrus zest, and sometimes a touch of saline minerality, reflecting its coastal vineyards.

Fun Wine Fact: Researchers now think that Vermentino’s been cultivated as a wine grape since the 1300s.

Viognier Basics: Full-bodied and Fruity

Viognier, originating from the Rhône Valley in France, is an aromatic, fruity white wine that has a fuller, luscious body. It has classic notes of stone fruit, like peach and apricot, along with honey, rose, and tangerine.

You’ll find Viognier grown in South Africa, Australia, and California as well.

Helpful Tip: If you’re new to Viognier, here’s a quick Viognier wine guide to help you appreciate its unique characteristics.

Wine Comparison: Vermentino vs. Viognier

Here’s a quick side-by-side that covers the most common styles of Vermentino and Viognier.

Characteristics	Vermentino	Viognier
Hue	Pale lemon to straw	Medium lemon to golden
Color	White	White
Aromas	Citrus, green apple, white blossom, mineral	Apricot, peach, floral
Sweetness	Dry to off-dry	Dry to off-dry
Acid	Medium plus	Low to Medium
Alcohol (%)	12-13%	13-14%
Body	Light to medium minus	Medium plus to full
Intensity	Medium	Medium to pronounced
Key Growing Regions	Italy (Sardinia, Liguria), France, Spain	France (Condrieu), Rhone Valley, California
Classic Pairings	Seafood, salads, light pasta dishes	Poultry, creamy dishes, Asian cuisine
Price Range	$15-$30	$15-$40

Vermentino Wine Profile

• Sweetness: Vermentino wines lean towards dryness, offering a range of dry to off-dry styles.
• Alcohol: Vermentino wines typically have a moderate alcohol content, similar to Viognier, ranging from around 11% to 13% ABV.
• Body: Vermentino is known for its medium body, often a little lighter than Viognier.
• Acid: Vermentino showcases vibrant acidity, higher than Viognier.
• Flavor and Aroma Intensity: Vermentino boasts refreshing citrus notes and subtle floral undertones, not as pronounced as Viognier.

Viognier Wine Profile

• Sweetness: Viognier tends to be made in dry styles, but less expensive wines may be off-dry
• Alcohol: Viognier wines typically have a moderate to high alcohol content, ranging from around 13% to 15% ABV.
• Body: Viognier is known for its full-bodied, creamy texture on the palate.
• Acid: While still providing freshness, Viognier tends to have lower acidity compared to most Vermentino wines.
• Flavor and Aroma Intensity: Viognier boasts intense floral and stone fruit aromas with a rich, honeyed character.
• Flavors: Expect flavors of apricot, peach, honeysuckle, and sometimes a hint of spice.

Are Vermentino and Viognier Similar?

Vermentino and Viognier are similar. Both wines can have floral notes. Vermentino has white blossom. Viognier has rose and honeysuckle.

What Is the Difference Between Vermentino and Viognier?

Vermentino tends to be lighter and has higher acid than most styles of Viognier. Viognier has more stone and tropical fruit notes, like mandarin and mango. Vermentino tends to have citrus and mineral notes. Viognier is usually more perfumed and aromatic than Viognier wines.

Vermentino vs Viognier: Food Pairings and Serving Temperature

• Viognier’s full-bodied and aromatic nature makes it an excellent companion for richer dishes, including creamy pasta and oven-roasted poultry. Off-dry styles make lovely companions to chili spice – think Thai take-out.
• Vermentino’s delicate fruit, mineral, and floral character make it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes, including appetizers, white meats, and lighter vegetarian cuisine

Both wines are best enjoyed chilled. 

Place them in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours before serving. For both wines, remove the bottle from the refrigerator approximately 10-15 minutes before pouring to reach the ideal serving temperature.

Helpful Tip: If your Viognier seems closed, let it sit for a few minutes and give it a good swirl to open up.

Which Is More Expensive, Vermentino or Viognier?

It’s natural to want to compare the price of Vermentino vs Viognier, so here’s what you need to know.

Quality Level	Vermentino	Viognier
Entry-level	$12-$20	$15-$20
Premium	$25-$40+	$20-$50+

Viognier Cost

• Entry-level Viognier wines are usually priced between $15 and $20 per bottle. These are lovely bottles that are a good place to start.
• Premium Viognier from renowned regions or prestigious wineries can range from $20 to $40 or more, reflecting their exceptional craftsmanship.

Vermentino Cost

• Entry-level Vermentino wines also fall within accessible price ranges, usually ranging from $12 to $20 per bottle. These wines are known for their pure fruit flavors that forefront freshness, perfect for casual sipping and pairing.
• On the premium side, Vermentino will have more intense fruit flavors. You’ll immediately notice just how pronounced they can be. Premium Vermentino wines sourced from renowned regions can have wine prices of $25 to $40 or more.

Helpful Wine Buying Tip: Both Viognier and Vermentino aren’t as popular as, say Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, so they’re not as widely produced. As a result, entry-level Viognier and Vermentino will cost more than extreme value Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay.

Which Is Better? Viognier vs Vermentino

If you love citrus-driven, lighter styles of white wine with bright acid, then Vermentino is the better wine. If you enjoy rich, stone-fruited white wines with a fuller body, then buy Viognier.

Personal Note: I love Viognier. I’d choose it over Vermentino any night of the week, but that’s because I enjoy drinking fuller-bodied, perfumed white wines.

Final Thoughts – Vermentino vs Viognier

Vermentino and Viognier are totally different wines that deserve a side-by-side comparison. Date night, anyone?

The best way to learn about Vermentino and Viognier is to do a side-by-side tasting. Grab two bottles of similarly priced Vermentino and Viognier, gather some friends, and pop those corks!

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