Roussanne

Also known as: Bergeron (Savoie), Roussette (historical)

Roussanne is one of those varieties you recognise by its thin skin – both literally and figuratively. The berries oxidise quickly, yields remain low, and if you’re not careful, you’ll harvest jam instead of wine. Perhaps that’s why it was long displaced by the more robust Marsanne. But those who understand Roussanne discover a variety of unusual aromatic depth: herbs, pear, white tea, sometimes a hint of apricot.

In the northern Rhône Valley, Du Coulet and Maison Stephan demonstrate the mineral potential of the variety. In the south, at La Nerthe and Marcoux in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Roussanne brings freshness to the appellation’s great white wines.