Varietal Character
Marsanne
Physically, you’re big and a bit on the clumsy side; some even say you’re tad dumb! But what a great personality – is it oafish charm? Something must have attracted Roussanne, your longtime companion. For years, your elegant and sharp-witted spouse has been there to bail you out of trouble. Apart from some solo philandering Downunder, you have relied on her company for most of your adventures in the New World, with a few incidents of infidelity forgiven. Your biggest attribute may be your biggest flaw – a tendency to finish a hard days work heavy into the alcohol, and that's when you get really dumb. Just remember not to stray too far from Rousanne's sobering influence.
Appellations Growing Marsanne Grapes
Appellations producing the most Marsanne wines:
Marsanne Grape Details
Marsanne
Probably originating in the northern Rhone, Marsanne’s popularity has been increasing in Europe, as well as in North America and Australia. It is highly productive and in the past long-barrel aging produced a wine that needs years in bottle before drinking. Today, through modern winemaking techniques, it is being produced on its own, as a characterful wine that is deeply-colored and full-bodied, with notes of honeysuckle and almonds. Often, it is also blended to add roundness to the more aromatic, acidic varietals, such as Roussanne, Rolle and Viognier. California’s Rhone Rangers have taken an interest in this varietal and Victoria region of Australia produces old-vine Marsanne that can be exquisite.
