Common synonyms: Avilleran, Champagne Piacentina, Ermitage, Grosse Roussette, Hermitage, Johannisberg, Marsan Belyi, Marsanne Blanche, Metternich, Rhin, Rousseau, Roussette de Sainte-Peray, Roussette Grosse, Seme du Rhin, White Hermitage, Zrmitazh
Parentage of the grape: Unknown
History of the grape: Marsanne is native to the northern Rhone valley in France. There, it was the traditional blending partner of Roussanne, but has slowly been taking over because of its greater reliability. It is becoming the primary variety in appellations such as St-Joseph, St-Peray, and Crozes-Hermitage. The role of Roussanne had been to bring acidity to the blend, since Marsanne can be flabby, but when grown in the right place, picked at the right time, and not overcropped, Marsanne can produce balanced wines. This variety also produces excellent wines in Switzerland and in nearby Savoie, where it is known as Grosse Roussette. Marsanne is used in blends throughout the Languedoc, but is not one of the varieties allowed in Chateauneuf du Pape. In Australia, this variety produces excellent, ageworthy wines, and “Rhone Rangers” such as Randall Grahm have had a lot of success with it in California.
Characteristics of the grape: full-bodied, rich in texture, high in alcohol, low in acidity, with aromas of honeysuckle, almonds, and quince
Regions where the grape currently is important: the northern Rhone, Switzerland, Savoie, Australia’s Victoria region, California
Type or types of wines the grape produces: Marsanne is typically made into full-bodied, dry table whites, most notably in St-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and St-Peray in France’s northern Rhone Valley. Most should be drunk within a couple of years of release, but some ages well, gaining complexity and taking on a dark gold color. In Switzerland’s Valais region, it can make sweet wines as well.
– Description from
juliabutareva
(hide)
Stay Connected
Get our free newsletter
SubmitSnooth Newsletters