Roussanne

Roussanne’s stomping ground is undoubtedly the Northern Rhône, where it and Marsanne are the only two grapes permitted in white Hermitage, Croze-Hermitage and Saint Joseph. Roussanne is more aromatic than Marsanne, with floral, herbal, peach and pear notes. It also has higher acidity, making it a great component for wines that are built to age. It is one of the six white grapes allowed in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and is commonly found in the Languedoc where it is blended with a myriad of indigenous grapes like Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc. Roussanne is also gaining popularity in California and Australia, where it is often blended with Marsanne and Viognier.