Roussanne is a white grape variety from France that most famously pairs with Marsanne to create the exotic, age-worthy Northern Rhône white wines, so often eclipsed by their red counterparts.
Roussanne wines often display an aroma of wild herbs, followed by richly textured flavours of ripe peach, pineapple, honey, blossom and almonds. The most ambitious examples are matured in oak and will age well, developing more caramelised, nutty, orange peel and marzipan flavours, while often retaining a floral lift and fresh, mineral undertow. Roussanne also makes sparkling wine in St Péray.
Roussanne is generally believed to be a native of the region around Rhône and its Alpine tributary the Isère.
Roussanne plantings in its native France have increased considerably since the selection of improved clones. Roussanne’s main home is the Rhône Valley, both Northern and Southern; however, the variety is also widely planted in the Alpine Savoie region to the east, where it is known as Bergeron, and has become increasingly popular in the Languedoc. Beyond France, Roussanne’s biggest presence is in California, especially the Central Coast region, but the variety is enjoying a revival in Australia, growing interest in South Africa and a small but established presence in Italy’s Liguria and Tuscany regions. Roussanne also has a minor presence in Chile, Italy, Israel and Okanagan Valley, Canada.
Roussanne takes its name from the French “roux”, translating as “red” or perhaps more closely, “russet”, thanks to the colour of its berries when ripe.
- Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhône
- Domaine du Tunnel, St Péray, Norther Rhône
- Jamsheed, Beechworth, Australia
- Qupé, Central Coast, California
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Bergeron, Courtoisie, Fromental, Fromental jaune, Greffon, Petite Roussette, Rusan blanc, Rusan belyi, Rabelot, Rabellot, Ramoulette, Rebellot, Remoulette, Plant de Seyssel, Rousanne, Roussane blanc
