Roussanne
Classic aromas of Roussanne are: Red Apple, Apricots, Pear, Honeycomb and Almonds
Roussanne is a white grape variety from the northern Rhone Valley of France. It has specific importance in the region of Hermitage where it was first mentioned in 1781, planted alongside of Marsanne.
In France, Roussanne, though blended with Marsanne, is the star of the white wines of Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and Chateauneauf-du-Pape. Roussanne is harder to grow due to fickle needs in the vineyards so Marsanne is more widely planted, yet Roussanne does yield greater results. The total plantings amount to 1,352ha, most of which is found in the northern Rhone with the rest in small outcrops in the southern Rhone.
There are small outcrops of Roussanne spread across Italy, Greece and Portugal. The most successful revival of Roussanne outside of France, has to be in California. It was Qupe Winery that first planted vines of Roussanne in Santa Ynez Vally of California. In the coming decades popularity has spread and many vignerons are planting it. There are now 141ha in total spread across the state.
Australia, too, has shown success with Roussanne – though the plantings are too small to be officially recorded. There is record of 40 different producers of Roussanne predominant wines.
Roussanne produces wines that are full bodied with moderate acidity and a golden colour. In its youth it will have a floral aromatic profile with apricot blossom and honeysuckle being dominant. With age it shall develop more pear, baked apple, lemon and nutty characters.