Roussanne is a white wine grape variety that is primarily grown , and also originated in the Rhône Valley region of France. It is often blended with Marsanne, another white grape variety from the same region; Rhône wines are known for their blends, in red wine is the famous MSG, in whites Viognier, Roussane ,Marsanne, Grenache blanc are the common grape blends in the final product.
An intriguing, rare full-bodied white found mostly in Southern France, Switzerland, next to the Rhone river, that divide these two great wine countries, and now Wa-ine and the United States experimenting with the grape.
Roussanne wines are known for their rich, full-bodied character, with flavors of pear, peach, apricot, and sometimes honey or spice. They can also have a slightly oily texture. Roussanne wines are often aged in oak barrels, which adds complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
Producers of Roussanne in the US produce richer oak-aged wines that have some similarities to a chardonnay.
Wa-ine
Washington’s warm days and cooler nights help preserve the grape’s acidity while allowing it to develop rich, fruity flavors.
you know from reading our blog that from the terroirs across the Columbia Valley and Walla Walla where the grapes are grown because the climate in these areas is conducive to growing Roussanne, allowing for the development of rich flavors and balanced acidity. Washington Roussanne often showcases notes of stone fruit, floral aromas, and that great PNW honey flavors.
Wa-ine notes in nose:
Floral – Often with notes of honeysuckle, flowers, and chamomile.
Tropical Fruits – Ripe fall pear, peach, apricot, and a little pineapple.
Nuttiness – Hints of almond, hazelnut, and walnut.
Honey – A touch of sweetness, reminiscent of honey or beeswax.
Wa-ine notes in flavor:
this varietal develop a rich and full-bodied wine, a luxurious mouthfeel with a creamy texture.
Great complexity from the blend of fruit, floral, and nutty notes.
The balanced acidity in Roussanne gives that freshness and prevents the wine from becoming overly sweet.
Winemaker techniques in Wa-ine, gives this grape a mineral mouthfeel with a chalky or stony undertone.
Wa-ine pairings for Roussane
seared foie gras with apricot chutney
Argentina style grill provoleta cheese.
Lemony fried brussels sprouts
Pumpkin and cauliflower gratin , with fried sage
Tonnarelli carbonara with poached lobster
Snap pea salad with dungeness crab endives and lemon.
Wa-ine top bottle picks:
Eleven winery – Roussanne is a most from Bainbridge island, Sugarloaf vineyard
DeLille Cellars – single-vineyard Roussanne from the Ciel du Cheval vineyard.
Latta Wines – from their small-batch Roussanne, Lawrence Vineyard.
Maryhill Winery – Roussanne Proprietor’s Reserve, McKinley Springs Vineyard.
Sonder – Roussanne, yakima valley .
Stottle Winery – Roussanne, Marcella Vineyard, aged in french oak.
.