A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Viognier
Learn to pronounce the white wine grape Viognier correctly with this simple phonetic guide for English speakers.
viognier
vee-ohn-YAY
/viˈoʊnjeɪ/ · vi · ohn · yay
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
You will primarily encounter this word on wine lists at restaurants or when browsing the white wine section at a bottle shop. It refers to a full-bodied white wine known for its floral aromatics and stone fruit flavors. It is a standard term used by sommeliers and wine enthusiasts globally.
Where the word comes from
The word is derived from the French dialectal term 'viogni', likely a variation of the Latin 'viticula', meaning 'little vine'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- vee-OG-nee-er English speakers often try to sound out the 'g' and the 'r', but in French, the 'gn' makes a nasal sound and the final 'r' is silent.
- VEE-oh-neer This ignores the French nasalization of the middle syllable; aim for a soft 'ohn' sound rather than a hard 'neer'.
Frequently asked
Is the g silent in Viognier?
Yes, the g is not pronounced as a hard consonant. It combines with the n to create a nasalized sound similar to the word onion.
Do you pronounce the r at the end of Viognier?
No, the final r is silent in French pronunciation. You should end the word on the 'yay' sound.
How do I order Viognier without sounding pretentious?
Just keep it simple and focus on the vee-ohn-YAY rhythm. Most servers appreciate the effort to get the pronunciation right regardless of your accent.
How do the French pronounce Viognier?
In French, Viognier is pronounced vee-ohn-YAY. The emphasis is on the last syllable.
What is the difference between Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier?
Sauvignon Blanc typically has crisp, grassy, and citrus notes, while Viognier is known for its aromatic profile of peach, apricot, and floral notes.
Is a Viognier a Chardonnay?
No, Viognier is a distinct white grape varietal, not a type of Chardonnay. While both are white wines, they have different flavor profiles and origins.
Viognier pronunciation american
In American English, Viognier is commonly pronounced VEE-ohn-yay. Some may also pronounce it as wee-OHN-yay.
