Do you know the grape varieties behind some of the greatest white wines from the south of France? If certain varieties such as Viognier, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc or even Clairette come to mind, you are absolutely right ! But do not overlook Marsanne !
Originally from the Rhône Valley , in this article we invite you to explore its history, characteristics, and discuss possible food and wine pairings. Happy reading !
Summary
History of the Marsanne grape variety
Although the exact origins of Marsanne are difficult to trace, it is likely that it is the result of a natural cross between wild vines and vines domesticated by the Romans. During Antiquity, the Romans indeed developed viticulture intensively in the Rhône Valley, the probable birthplace of Marsanne. Its name is said to come from the eponymous village of Marsanne, near Montélimar.
During the Middle Ages, and after the fall of the Roman Empire, the monasteries played a central role in the preservation of grape varieties. While there is no written record directly attesting to the presence of Marsanne during this period, many historians suggest that the variety was already very likely among the local varieties used in blends in the Rhône Valley.
It was in fact only from the 18th century that Marsanne was formally identified as a distinct grape variety. It then became one of the official pillars of Rhône white wines, notably in Hermitage and Saint-Péray.
In the 19th century, our variety continued to gain popularity and began to spread further south, especially in Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence, where it adapts very well to the hot and dry climate. However, the phylloxera crisis (a devastating aphid imported from the United States) threatened the entire European vineyard at the end of the 19th century. The decades at the end of the century and the beginning of the next were therefore marked by a very significant restructuring of the French vineyard.
In the 20th century, and despite the wars, French viticulture modernized and the appellations d’origine contrôlée (AOC) were created from the 1930s onwards.
Today, although Marsanne remains a relatively unknown grape variety to the general public, it nevertheless holds a prominent place in many appellations, as we will see.
The Rhône Valley: the probable birthplace of the Marsanne grape variety
Where is Marsanne grown?
To date, Marsanne is grown on more than 1,500 hectares in France, mainly in the northern Rhône Valley, but also in Provence, Languedoc, and Savoie.
It holds a central place in the white wines of the appellations Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Saint-Péray, where it can be vinified alone but also blended with a very complementary partner : Roussanne.
In Languedoc-Roussillon, Marsanne is found as a minor variety in the white wines of Côtes-du-Roussillon as well as various IGPs. It is often blended with grape varieties such as Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, or again, Roussanne.
In Provence, Marsanne is not very present but is sometimes used in blends with Vermentino to produce white wines.
Finally, on an international level, our variety is also present in Switzerland (in the Valais region where it is locally called " Ermitage "), in Australia (Victoria, Barossa Valley), and in the United States (California).
Harvesting Marsanne in a vineyard of the Saint-Joseph appellation
The characteristics of wines made from Marsanne
Marsanne is a generous but delicate grape variety. It adapts well to poor soils, especially granite and limestone soils which bring out its best. However, it remains sensitive to grey rot and wind, which requires special care from winegrowers. Botanically, its bunches are large and filled with small juicy berries that turn golden when ripe.
In terms of aromas, Marsanne is a true sensory festival. In its youth, it is a variety that displays floral notes of acacia, hawthorn, and honeysuckle, accompanied by indulgentfruity notes such as apple, pear, apricot, and white peach. Delicate flavors of honey, hazelnut and toasted almond may also appear during tasting.
On the palate, white wines made from Marsanne also offer a full-bodied texture as well as moderate acidity.
Finally, although rare, in certain AOCs such as Saint-Péray, Marsanne is also used to produce sparkling wines. In this case, it reveals a more fruity and floral aromatic profile, with hints of golden apple, citrus zest, and sometimes a subtle touch of pastry aromas… ideal for festive occasions !
Which dishes to pair with Marsanne?
White wines made from Marsanne pair perfectly with a wide variety of dishes, here are a few examples to whet your appetite.
Let’s start with white meats, such as roast chicken or turkey, which pair wonderfully with Marsanne. The indulgentsmoothness of our grape variety here enhances the tenderness of these foods, while highlighting their delicate aromas. Imagine a roast free-range chicken, served with a lemon and herb sauce, a real treat for the taste buds!
Marsanne also pairs very well with fish with white flesh, such as cod, sea bass, or sole. A grilled fish, subtly seasoned, will highlight the floral and slightly honeyed notes of a bottle of Marsanne. For an even more delicious experience, choose a dish where the fish is accompanied by seasonal vegetables, adding a touch of freshness and balance to the whole.
If you are a fan of cheese, Marsanne will also delight you ! Brie, Camembert, Saint-Marcellin, or even fresh goat cheeses will be divine pairings! The creamy texture of these cheeses combines perfectly with the roundness and aromatic richness of our grape variety.
Saint-Marcellin and Marsanne: a successful combination
Finally, to fully enjoy all the subtleties of a white wine made from Marsanne, we recommend serving it between 10 and 12°C, a temperature that perfectly reveals its structure and aromatics.
Thanks to all this information, you now have all the keys to fully appreciate Marsanne! All that’s left is to explore our selection of wines and discover your favorite cuvées. We look forward to seeing you on La Cave Éclairée to find your wines!
Of course, if you have any questions or need advice, we are always here to assist you. See you soon for more oenological discoveries!
