Roussanne
A perfumed, textured Rhône white with pear, herbal tea and honey. It's prized in Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County and Washington, on its own or blended with Marsanne.
Roussanne is a white grape from France's northern Rhône Valley, where it's traditionally blended with Marsanne and also appears in white Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Its name comes from the russet color of its ripe skins. In the U.S. it's a favorite of Rhône-focused wineries on California's Central Coast.
What It Tastes Like
Roussanne is aromatic and textured, with pear, apricot, herbal tea, honey and white flowers. It's full-bodied and waxy but has better acidity than Marsanne, so it ages well, and it often picks up nutty, honeyed notes with time. Some winemakers age it in neutral oak for extra richness.
Where It Grows
Paso Robles is the American heartland for Roussanne, thanks to pioneering Rhône producers there. Santa Barbara County, the Santa Ynez Valley, the Sierra Foothills and Washington's Columbia Valley also make excellent examples. Virginia and Texas have small plantings.
What to Look For
Where to Find Roussanne
Wine regions on American Winery Guide where Roussanne is grown or poured: