Easy Breezy Viognier (Vin de Pays)

Nothing spells uncomplicated and easy-going summer refreshment quite like a Viognier. The 2005 Alain Paret Viognier Pastourou (available for between $10-$15) is honey-colored in the glass and opens with lots of perfectly ripe pineapple on the nose. The honey theme shows up again on the palate along with essence of crab apple, and more pineapple on the finish. As the wine opens up, more pear and orange blossom notes emerge. Overall, a pleasing if perhaps overly-mild wine. The wine is slightly off-dry with light to medium body but, is still quite refreshing on it's own despite a lack of crispness. However, this did make it difficult to pair with food: Simple roasted chicken was even more than it's modest acidity could match. Home-made chicken noodle soup, on the other hand, was benign enough not to overwhelm this delicate flower.