The Wine Reference🍷 SupportRoussanne grape
Roussanne is a white grape known for pear, herbs, honey. Its best-known homes are Rhône.
Origin and history
From the northern Rhône, named after its russet ('roux') skin colour at ripeness.
Where it grows
Northern Rhône (Hermitage, Saint-Joseph), Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Languedoc, Savoie, Tuscany, California (Paso Robles) and Australia.
Structure
Full body with better acidity than Marsanne; dry, often barrel-fermented, with a silky, textured feel.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: pear, herbal tea, white flowers, honey and apricot. With age: honey, nuts, beeswax and dried herbs.
Ageing
Good examples age 5–10 years; the best, such as Beaucastel's Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, can last 15–20 years.
Also known as
Bergeron (Savoie).
Good to know
It is the partner to Marsanne in white Hermitage and stars on its own in Château de Beaucastel's Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Vieilles Vignes.
Roussanne wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Jean-Luc Jamet Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc
Rhône Valley · Côtes du Rhône · Viognier, Roussanne
Northern Rhône grower white: apricot, flowers and texture.
Food: Pork, fish
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc
Rhône Valley · Hermitage · Marsanne, Roussanne
Legendary Hermitage white: rich, honeyed, nutty and age-worthy.
Food: Lobster, truffle
A.A. Badenhorst Kalmoesfontein White
Swartland · Chenin Blanc, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc
Old-vine Chenin-based blend: textured, nutty and complex.
Food: Pork, roast chicken
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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