The Wine Reference🍷 SupportMarsanne grape
Marsanne is a white grape known for pear, almond, honey. Its best-known homes are Rhône.
Origin and history
From the northern Rhône, named after the village of Marsanne near Montélimar.
Where it grows
Northern Rhône (Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Saint-Péray), southern France, Switzerland's Valais, Victoria in Australia and California.
Structure
Full body, low to moderate acidity and a rich, waxy, oily texture; dry, sometimes barrel-aged.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: pear, melon, almond, white flowers and quince. With age: honey, beeswax, marzipan, hazelnut and toast.
Ageing
Often best young or after 7+ years, with a dumb phase in between; white Hermitage can age 20–30 years.
Also known as
Ermitage (Valais), Grosse Roussette.
Good to know
Tahbilk in Victoria has some of the world's oldest Marsanne vines, planted in 1927, and the largest single holding of the grape.
Marsanne wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Château de Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel Blanc
Rhône Valley · Côtes du Rhône · Marsanne, Viognier, Bourboulenc, Clairette
Rich Rhône white: stone fruit, honeysuckle and almond.
Food: Roast chicken, bouillabaisse
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc
Rhône Valley · Hermitage · Marsanne, Roussanne
Legendary Hermitage white: rich, honeyed, nutty and age-worthy.
Food: Lobster, truffle
Tahbilk Museum Release Marsanne
Nagambie Lakes · Marsanne
Aged release from historic vines: honeysuckle, toast and lemon.
Food: Pork, chicken
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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