Roussanne
Roussanne is a white grape variety originating in the Rhône Valley of France. It is one of the key white grapes of the region, valued for producing aromatic wines with structure, freshness, and notable ageing capacity.[1]
Background
The name "Roussanne" derives from the French word roux (russet), referring to the reddish-gold colour the grape skins develop at full ripeness.[2] Historical records indicate its long-standing presence in the northern Rhône, where it has been cultivated for centuries, though its exact origins remain unclear. Despite periods of declining plantings in the 19th and 20th centuries due to viticultural difficulties, it has experienced renewed interest in recent decades.[3]
Characteristics
Roussanne is known for its relatively low yields and sensitivity in the vineyard, being susceptible to wind, irregular ripening, and certain diseases. The variety thrives in warm but not overly hot climates and is most successful on well-drained, stony soils typical of Rhône appellations.[4]
Its wines are typically aromatic, marked by floral and herbal notes alongside stone fruits, honey, and nuttiness with age. Structurally, Roussanne often combines medium to high acidity with a rich, textural palate. It has a distinctive potential for longevity, developing greater complexity over time compared with many other Rhône white varieties.[5]
Use in winemaking
In the northern Rhône, Roussanne is authorised in appellations such as Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Condrieu (where it is sometimes blended with Viognier). In the southern Rhône, it is an important component of Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc and Côtes du Rhône blanc, often blended with Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, and Clairette.[6]
Outside France, plantings are found in Italy, Spain, the United States (notably California and Washington State), and Australia, where the variety is valued for producing structured, aromatic whites. In both varietal wines and blends, Roussanne contributes fragrance, freshness, and ageworthy depth.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.
- ↑ Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), “Roussanne”, www.vivc.de.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, 2015.
- ↑ Inter Rhône, “Cépages blancs du Rhône (Roussanne)”, www.vins-rhone.com.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 2019.