Roussanne

Marsanne's Aromatic Partner

Roussanne is grown in Hermitage, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Crozes-Hermitage.

3countries on the atlas

Tastes of: white flowers, pear, apricot and honey
Goes with: roast turkey, lobster bisque and seared scallops

Where it grows

The story

Roussanne is Marsanne's partner in Hermitage Blanc. Where Marsanne is rich and waxy, Roussanne is aromatic and herbal. Together, they create one of France's greatest white wines.

Insider story

Roussanne is difficult to grow—prone to disease, low-yielding, ripens unevenly. Many producers ripped it out for easier Marsanne. By the 1990s, Roussanne was rare.

But Roussanne adds what Marsanne lacks: acidity, aromatics, freshness. The best Hermitage Blanc blends both grapes. Pure Roussanne is rare but brilliant—floral, herbal, mineral.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape also allows Roussanne (in white blends). Château de Beaucastel's white is 80% Roussanne—one of the Rhône's greatest whites.

Technical deep dive

Roussanne has higher acidity than Marsanne (5.5-6.5 g/L), floral and herbal aromatics (tea, chamomile), and moderate alcohol (13-14% ABV).

Oxidation is a risk. Roussanne's phenolics oxidize easily, turning the wine brown. Careful winemaking is essential.

Blending: Roussanne adds acidity and aromatics to Marsanne. The classic blend is 70-80% Marsanne, 20-30% Roussanne.

Industry secrets

Pure Roussanne is rare but brilliant. Château de Beaucastel's 'Roussanne Vieilles Vignes' ($100-200) is one of the world's great white wines. But most producers blend it with Marsanne.

For collectors

Investment grade B

Auction records: Beaucastel Roussanne VV ($200)
Blue-chip producers: Château de Beaucastel
Chave
Value picks: Rhône blends ($20-40)
Price trend: Beaucastel Roussanne VV appreciating. Usually blended.
Collector’s tip: Beaucastel Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is the benchmark—ages 20+ years. Pure Roussanne is rare.