Marsanne :
ts origin is the northern Rhône region and it is one of eight white grape varieties allowed in the Côtes du Rhône appellation. Offering greater productivity and intriguingly different aromas, it has gradually taken over the role of blending that traditionally was held in many Rhône appellations by Roussanne.
Main features : This grape’s varietal character has little tolerance for weather that is either too cool or too hot and bland : which is planted on less fertile hillside soils. It prefers the warm and stony soils of the northern Côtes du Rhône extremely vigorous and generous the grapes hangs in winged, long, well-filled, and compact clusters. This leaves the fruit susceptible to powdery mildew (odium), bunch rot, berry cracking and excessive juicing at harvest.
œnological potential : The round, medium-gold to amber Marsanne berries make deep-colored wine that is also fairly full-bodied, sometimes described as almost "waxy". Where growing conditions are right, Marsanne aromas can suggest almond paste or citrus, mixed with perfume . Low aciditiy means Marsanne wine is best consumed young, must and wine have tendencies to oxidation and browning. Floral and hazelnut aromas develop as it mature, Marsanne grapes tend to give powerful wines.
Use : Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Saint-Péray (it may be blended with Roussanne in these Appellations), Côtes du Rhône Villages whites, Côtes du Rhône whites and Languedoc
Loading ...