Do you enjoy white wines that combine finesse and character? Then, welcome to the world of Roussanne! Little known to the general public, this grape variety appeals to lovers of great white wines thanks to its ability to produce cuvées with subtle aromas, both fresh and balanced.
Curious to learn more? Let’s travel together and discover its history, unique characteristics, the regions where it is grown, and above all, with which dishes it pairs perfectly! Get ready to find your next favorite bottle...
Summary
History and origins of Roussanne
Although it is difficult to trace the exact origins of Roussanne, everything seems to indicate that it originated in the Mediterranean basin, a region where the Greeks and then the Romans developed viticulture significantly as early as Antiquity. Thus, although the grape variety is not mentioned in writing, many historians assume that our variety was already planted in the Rhône Valley more than 2 000 years ago.
During the Middle Ages, the monks enabled the intense development of the wine sector in France and Europe. Thus, the Cistercians, a monastic order very active in the wine industry, were particularly present. They very likely cultivated Roussanne in small quantities within the Rhône Valley as well as in other more southern regions.
From then on, Roussanne was probably planted alongside other grape varieties such as Marsanne, as these two varieties, having complementary characteristics, were and are still used together to produce complex and beautifully balanced white wines.
Then comes the Renaissance, a time when wine is celebrated! The nobles and royal courts of the era compete for the best bottles. Roussanne, with its unique aromatic profile, begins to make a name for itself. It is also during this period that French viticulture starts to gain an international reputation.
With industrialization and the advent of mass viticulture in the 19th and 20th centuries, Roussanne experiences ups and downs. Its sensitivity to diseases such as powdery mildew and grey rot, combined with its low yield, leads many winemakers to abandon it. This is a time when efficiency takes precedence over quality, and Roussanne, being too temperamental, does not fit the mold.
Fortunately, the story does not end there ! Starting from the 1980s, Roussanne began to receive increased attention, especially outside the Rhône Valley. Indeed, winegrowers from other French and international wine regions, such as Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, and even California, also began experimenting with the cultivation of Roussanne.
Today, Roussanne remains a relatively little-planted grape variety despite its many advantages. Nevertheless, in recent decades we have witnessed a rapid growth in its plantations. Thus, while there were only about a hundred hectares of the variety in 1998, nearly 2 000 hectares are now planted in France. Moreover, the grape variety is now well known among white wine enthusiasts for its ability to produce elegant and complex wines.
Roussanne Plantations
Where is the Roussanne grape variety grown?
Roussanne thrives mainly in the Rhône Valley, where it enhances prestigious appellations such as Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Within the region, it often forms a very interesting duo with the Marsanne (another white grape variety), resulting in wines that are both refined and exceptionally aromatic.
In Savoie, Roussanne changes its name to Bergeron, especially within the renowned Chignin-Bergeron appellation. On these stony, high-altitude soils, it reveals a particularly distinctive elegance.
In Isère, it also reveals its unique character under the name Fromenteau. Further south, in Languedoc-Roussillon and in Provence, Roussanne also flourishes, benefiting from clay-limestone soils and the Mediterranean mildness to produce generous and rich wines.
But this grape variety does not stop at the French wine landscape ! Although present in small proportions, it has also conquered many international vineyards. Roussanne has thus successfully established itself in Switzerland, in Italy, in California and even in Australia.
Rhône Valley: the birthplace of Roussanne
Characteristics of wines made from Roussanne
Roussanne is distinguished by its cylindrical clusters and small, fleshy berries, which develop a golden color at maturity, sometimes speckled with russet spots, which give the grape its name. This late-ripening variety requires a lot of attention: it needs sun and poor soils but is sensitive to drought.
Fragile but precious, Roussanne produces low and irregular yields, making it a grape variety mainly sought after for premium cuvées. Its delicate aromas, roundness and natural freshness make it an ideal choice for dry white wines and sparkling wines.
Dry white wines made from Roussanne stand out for their brilliant golden color. On the palate, they reveal subtle floral aromas such as honeysuckle and hawthorn, accompanied by seductive fruity notes reminiscent of apricot, pear, and ripe apple, sometimes enhanced by a hint of honey. As they age, the wines often gain in complexity, then revealing intense notes of dried fruits and a full-bodied texture, perfectly balanced between freshness and roundness. And yes, Roussanne is a grape variety that allows the production of excellent age-worthy wines !
Finally, although better known for still white wines, Roussanne can also be used in the production of sparkling wines. Its elegant aromatic profile, floral notes, and acidic qualities indeed make it an interesting grape variety for this style of wine.
Roussanne: a grape variety appreciated for its richness and aromatic depth
Which dishes pair well with Roussanne?
Wines made from Roussanne offer beautiful complexity and are able to pair gracefully with many dishes.
Thus, sparkling wines made from this grape variety, light and refined, are perfect to start a meal. They are ideally enjoyed as an aperitif, bringing freshness and pleasure from the very first sip.
As for dry white Roussanne wines, they shine at the table thanks to their versatility and aromatic complexity. With seafood or shellfish, Roussanne, for example, works wonders. Imagine grilled prawns or a pan-fried scallop dish, enhancing its floral and fruity notes.
When it comes to fish, a turbot with beurre blanc or a sole meunière also pairs perfectly with the round and creamy texture of our grape variety.
White meats and foie gras can also be considered ! Think, for example, of guinea fowl with cream or pan-seared foie gras: these dishes will enhance the rich and elegant aromas of Roussanne. And if you enjoy Asian cuisine or mushrooms, its floral and spicy notes will harmonize beautifully with exotic and earthy flavors.
Finally, even cheeses are a success with Roussanne ! Try an aged Comté, Beaufort, or Reblochon for a indulgente and delicious pairing.
In order to fully appreciate the elegance and aromatic richness of your bottles of Roussanne, we recommend serving them at a temperature between 10-12°C. For sparkling wines or the lightest white wines, a range of 8-10°C can even be applied.
Enjoy Roussanne with sole meunière: a delight indulgent !
The best wines made from the Roussanne grape variety
As you will have understood, Roussanne is a grape variety appreciated by great white wine enthusiasts and many estates succeed in bringing out the best of the variety.Here are some examples of properties you should be interested in if you are a fan or simply curious to discover this grape variety !
Located in Savoie, the Domaine Partagé Gilles Berlioz stands out for its beautiful range of Chignin-Bergeron, a magnificent appellation specialized in the production of Roussanne. This family-run estate takes advantage of the Savoyard terroir to offer wines that are rich, aromatic, and of great finesse.Cuvées that will appeal to lovers of elegant and complex white wines!
In the Rhône Valley, and more specifically in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, Château Beaucastel is an iconic estate offering extraordinary red wines, but also white cuvées where Roussanne is vinified alone or blended with other grape varieties to offer wines of remarkable complexity. We recommend their entire range !
We have reached the end of our journey. You now know a little more about this rare and captivating variety... all that's left is to find the ideal bottle for your next meal! For even more oenological discoveries, feel free to visit our website La Cave Éclairée. See you soon for more discoveries !
