Marsanne is a white grape variety that is most famous as a major component of the fine, full-bodied wines from the Northern Rhône.
Marsanne tends to produce rich, textured wines of moderate acidity with flavours of honeysuckle, marzipan, apples, and almonds. It can age well, taking on a honeyed, nutty character. In the Rhône appellation of St Péray, Marsanne is often used to make a sparkling wine. Sweet vin de paille expressions are another rare specialism.
Marsanne originated in the Rhône, quite possibly in the Drôme village of Marsanne near Montélimar. Although a permitted variety in the Southern Rhône, the grape has long featured especially prominently in the great white wines of the Northern Rhône.
Around 80% of Marsanne’s global plantings are in France, most notably the Northern Rhône but also Southern Rhône and Languedoc. The variety also has a small presence in Switzerland. Since the 1860s Marsanne has grown in the Australian state of Victoria, which today boasts some of this grape variety’s oldest living vines. A small amount of Marsanne is also now found in California.
Marsanne’s full-bodied style is often blended with the aromatic Roussanne, as well as fellow southern French varieties Viognier and Rolle.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Avilleran, Avilleron, Ermitazh, Ermitage, Ermitage blanc, Metternich, Champagne Piacentina, Grosse Roussette, Marsan Belyi, Marzanne, Roussette de Saint-Péray
