Grape · Northern Rhône, France
Roussanne
roo-SAHN
Herbal, floral, difficult
The aromatic half of white Hermitage. Pear, herbal tea, and acidity that Marsanne lacks — and a vineyard reputation for being a pain.
- pear
- herbal tea
- apricot
- chamomile
- beeswax
Profile
Bodymedium
Acidmedium
Sugardry
Roussanne oxidizes easily, crops irregularly, and is worth the trouble. California and the Languedoc bottle it varietally; the Rhône usually blends it.
It is the more interesting of the pair if you like white wine with savory, tea-like notes rather than fruit.
Aromatic poultry, squash, and mild curry.
At the table
Service
50–54 °F (10–12 °C).
