Roussanne is a white wine grape variety that originated in the Rhône wine region in France. This often overlooked varietal is known for its unique aromas of fresh flowers, peaches, herbs, and pears.
The wine it produces generally has a rich, full-bodied profile with pronounced acidity. Flavors in Roussanne wines can include pear, honey, green melon, beeswax, and chamomile tea. When aged in oak, Roussanne can develop a silky richness and flavors of toasted nuts, vanilla, or caramel.
Roussanne is quite versatile and can be consumed young or aged. Young Roussanne wines are vibrant and mineral-driven, while aged versions develop rich, honeyed flavors. Despite its qualities, Roussanne is not very popular on its own, and is often blended with other varieties, most commonly Marsanne.
The grapes themselves are known to be quite difficult to cultivate. They are susceptible to powdery mildew, very sensitive to oxidation, require a long growing period, and can be quite unpredictable in their yields. For this reason, despite its high potential for quality, Roussanne is not a widely planted grape variety.
