cépage marsanne

Discovering the Marsanne Grape Variety

Do you know the grape varieties behind some of the greatest white wines from the south of France? If varieties like Viognier, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, or even Clairette come to mind, you are absolutely right ! But do not overlook Marsanne !

Originating from the Rhône Valley we invite you in this article to explore its history, characteristics, and discuss possible food and wine pairings with it.Happy reading !

 


History of the Marsanne grape variety

While 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, they indeed intensively developed viticulture in the  Rhône Valley, the probable cradle of Marsanne. Its name would actually come from the eponymous village of Marsanne, near Montélimar.

During the Middle Ages, and after the fall of the Roman Empire, monasteries played a central role in the preservation of grape varieties. While no written mention directly attests to the presence of Marsanne during this period, many historians suggest that the variety was very likely already part of the local varieties used in blends in the Rhône Valley.

It is actually only from the  18th century that Marsanne was formally identified as a distinct grape variety.This will then become one of the official pillars of Rhodanian white wines, notably in Hermitage and Saint-Péray.

In the 19th century, our variety continues to gain popularity and then begins to spread further south, particularly in Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence, where it adapts very well to the hot and dry climate. However, the phylloxera crisis (a pest aphid imported from the United States) will endanger 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 will therefore be marked by a very significant restructuring of the French vineyard.

In the 20th century, despite the wars, French viticulture modernized and the appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOC) emerged from the 1930s.

Today, while Marsanne remains a relatively unknown grape variety to the general public, it nevertheless holds a prominent place in many appellations as we will see.

 

carte vallée du rhône

 

The Rhône Valley: the probable cradle of the Marsanne grape variety

 

Where is Marsanne cultivated? 

To date, Marsanne is cultivated on more than 1,500 hectares in France, mainly in the northern Rhône Valley, but also in Provence, Languedoc, and Savoie.

This grape variety holds a central place for 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 minority 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 once 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).

 

vendange marsanne

Harvesting of 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, particularly granitic and calcareous ones that reveal its qualities. However, it remains sensitive to grey rot and winds, which requires special care from the winemakers.Botanically, its clusters are large and filled with small juicy berries that turn golden at maturity.

In terms of aromas, Marsanne is a true sensory festival. In its youth, it is a variety that unfolds floral notes of acacia, hawthorn, and honeysuckle, accompanied by delicious fruity notes like apple, pear, apricot, or even white peach. Delicate flavors of honey, hazelnut and roasted almond may also appear during tasting.

On the palate, white wines made from Marsanne also offer a full texture as well as a moderate acidity.

Finally, although it is rare, in certain AOCs like 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 moments !

 

What dishes to pair with Marsanne?

White wines made from Marsanne pair perfectly with a wide variety of dishes, here are some examples to whet your appetite.

Let's start with white meats, such as roast chicken or turkey, which pair wonderfully with Marsanne.The indulgence of our grape variety here enhances the tenderness of these foods, while highlighting their delicate aromas. Imagine a roast free-range chicken, accompanied by a lemon and herb sauce, a true delight for the taste buds!

Marsanne also pairs very well with white-fleshed fish 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 flavorful 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 cheese lover, Marsanne will also delight you ! Brie, Camembert, Saint-Marcelin, or even fresh goat cheeses will be divine pairings! The creamy texture of these cheeses indeed combines wonderfully with the roundness and aromatic richness of our grape variety.

 

saint marcellin

 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 vintages. We invite you to visit 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 new oenological discoveries!

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