Roussanne
A traditional grape variety from the northern crus of the Rhône Valley, where it is often associated with Marsanne, Roussanne is also grown in the southern part of the region. It produces elegant, fine, floral and complex wines. These are generally still wines, but Roussanne is sometimes available as a sparkling wine in Saint-Péray.
Informations
Origin: Northern Rhône Valley
Location within the Rhône Valley: Northern Crus and Southern Rhône Valley
Soils: Rocky
Plantings within the Rhône Valley AOCs: About1 100 hectares
In the vineyards
Ampelography: Leaf with strongly jagged lobes, called “fig leaf”
Bunch and berries: Medium clusters, round berries adopting a reddish-golden color when ripe
Maturity: Early- to mid-ripening
Characteristics: Grape variety of medium vigor, with great longevity, but also sensitive to powdery mildew and grey rot.
Terroir: Warm, stony, well-drained soils, lean and arid hillside soils, or even stony loam-limestone soils are suitable for it.
In the cellars
Characteristics: Roussanne produces wines of great elegance, fine and complex, with floral scents of honeysuckle and iris, evolving towards notes of dried fruits and honey. They are balanced, with good structure, and potential for great aging wines.
Wine styles: Still and sparkling dry wines, sweet white wines (straw wines)
Fun facts
Roussanne owes its name to the red-golden tinge of its berries at maturity.