Marsanne
A full-bodied Rhône white with honey, almond and pear, usually blended with Roussanne. Look for it in Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County and Washington.
Marsanne is a white grape from France's northern Rhône Valley, where it goes into Hermitage Blanc, Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph. It's full-bodied and rich, and it's usually blended with its perfumed partner Roussanne. In the U.S. it was championed by California's Rhône Rangers, the winemakers who brought Rhône grapes to California in the 1980s and 1990s.
What It Tastes Like
Marsanne has pear, honeydew, almond, honeysuckle and a waxy, beeswax texture. Acidity is moderate, so it feels round and weighty. With age it develops honey and nutty notes. Blending with Roussanne or Viognier adds aroma and freshness.
Where It Grows
Look for Marsanne in Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County, the Sierra Foothills and Santa Ynez Valley in California, and in Washington's Columbia Valley. Virginia and Texas have small plantings too.
What to Look For
- Marsanne-Roussanne blends, the classic pairing.
- Single-variety Marsanne from Rhône-focused California wineries.
- White Rhône blends with Viognier and Grenache Blanc.
Where to Find Marsanne
Wine regions on American Winery Guide where Marsanne is grown or poured: