Roussanne
Roussanne is a grape variety commonly used in France’s northern Rhône Valley where it is traditionally blended with Marsanne. It is also found in the southern Rhône. Its yields are fairly low, which favours the production of quality wine. This aromatic grape variety often delivers aromas of white flowers, verbena, honey and flowers. Its high acidity gives wines balance and, above all, the capacity to age. Roussanne is also planted in Languedoc, Savoie and Provence, and can be found in Italy (Tuscany in particular) and the United States (in Washington and Oregon). Although it is not known when this variety first appeared, it seems to have originated around the Mediterranean in ancient times. It is a variety that is susceptible to fungal diseases and that suffers in conditions of extreme drought. Roussanne is distinctive for its largish cylindrical bunches and small, fleshy berries. Once ripe, the bunches are dotted with red spots, hence this grape’s name (rousse means red or redhead in French).
