
Roussanne
Learn about Roussanne — taste profile, popular regions and more …
Full and silky in body but also charmingly crisp, Roussanne makes a stellar blending grape. Native to the Rhône Valley of France, and still predominantly grown there, it is responsible for some of the finest Northern Rhône white wines. Roussanne adds richness and acidity to Marsanne’s soft, fruitiness, making the age-worthy and highly respected whites from the appellations of Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and St.-Joseph. It has also earned approval as one of the white varieties for Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Tasting Notes for Roussanne
Roussanne is a dry, white wine. Persistent aromas of exotic herbal tea, a full body nearly as complex as a red wine, and distinct apricot and honey flavors make Roussanne unique. With age, these wines gain a more oily or glycerin texture.
Perfect Food Pairings for Roussanne
Richer fish dishes such as salmon, lobster, crab or grilled shrimp work well with Roussanne and its blends. A meal of roast chicken with herbs and winter vegetables is also delicious. Stuffed butternut squash, vegetarian curry and baked brie with apricots are other ideas to pair with Roussanne based wines.
Sommelier Secrets for Roussanne
Roussanne takes its name from the French word, roux, meaning rouge or red because of the berry's pink glow. In California, virtually all of the 339 acres of Roussanne come from true clones brought over by Tablas Creek and John Alban.
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Qupe Roussanne 2007Roussanne from Central Coast, California
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Bonterra Organiclly Grown Roussanne 2007Roussanne from Mendocino, California
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Maison Bleue Winery Soleil Olsen Vineyard Roussanne 2007Roussanne from Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
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Shannon Ridge Roussanne 2007Roussanne from Lake County, North Coast, California
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Tablas Creek Roussanne 2007Roussanne from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Qupe Bien Nacido Hillside Estate Roussanne 2007Roussanne from Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California
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L'Aventure Estate Roussane 2007Roussanne from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Epiphany Camp Four Vineyard Roussanne 2007Roussanne from Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
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Vie Winery Roussanne 2007Roussanne from Lake County, North Coast, California
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Mount Aukum Winery Roussanne 2007Roussanne from El Dorado, Sierra Foothills, California
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Copain James Berry Vineyard Roussanne 2007Roussanne from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California