The Wine Reference🍷 SupportMarselan grape
Marselan is a red grape known for black cherry, plum, spice. Its best-known homes are Languedoc, China.
Origin and history
A French crossing of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, created in 1961 by Paul Truel and named after Marseillan, near the research station in the Languedoc.
Where it grows
Languedoc (Pays d'Oc) and the southern Rhône in France, and China (Ningxia, Hebei, Xinjiang), plus Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina.
Structure
Medium to full body, deep colour, fine and supple tannins and medium acidity.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: black cherry, blackcurrant, plum, raspberry and spice. With age: dried fruit, cedar, leather and mint.
Ageing
Most drink within 3–6 years; top examples can age 10 years.
Good to know
Introduced to China in 2001, it has become the country's signature red grape, thriving in Ningxia's dry, sunny climate.
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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