Do you love white wines that combine finesse and character? Then, welcome to the world of Roussanne! Little known to the general public, this grape variety captivates lovers of great white wines with its ability to produce cuvées with subtle aromas, both fresh and balanced.
Curious to learn more? Let's journey together and discover its history, unique characteristics, the regions where it is planted, and especially, with which dishes it pairs beautifully! Get ready to find your next favorite bottle...
Summary
History and Origins of Roussanne
Although it is difficult to precisely trace the origins of Roussanne, everything seems to indicate that it originated in the Mediterranean basin, a region where the Greeks and then the Romans significantly developed viticulture since 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 facilitated the intense development of the wine sector in France and Europe. Thus, the Cistercians, a monastic order very active in the wine domains, 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 like Marsanne, as these two varieties, having complementary characteristics, were and still are 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 time were vying for the best bottles. Roussanne, with its unique aromatic profile, began to make a name for itself. It is also during this period that French viticulture began to gain international renown.
With industrialization and the advent of mass viticulture in the 19th and 20th centuries, Roussanne experienced ups and downs.Its sensitivity to diseases such as powdery mildew and gray rot, combined with its low yield, leads many winemakers to abandon it. This is a time when efficiency takes precedence over quality, and Roussanne, too capricious, does not fit the mold.
Fortunately, the story doesn't end there ! Starting in the 1980s, Roussanne began to receive increased attention, especially outside the Rhône Valley. Indeed, winemakers from other French and international wine regions, such as Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, and even California, also began experimenting with growing Roussanne.
Today, Roussanne remains a relatively sparsely planted grape variety despite its many advantages.Nevertheless, in recent decades, we have witnessed a rapid growth of 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 cultivated?
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 plays a very interesting duo with the Marsanne (another white grape variety), giving rise to wines that are both refined and exceptionally aromatic.
In Savoie, the Roussanne changes its name to become the Bergeron, notably within the illustrious Chignin-Bergeron appellation. On these high-altitude rocky soils, it then reveals a very particular elegance.
In Isère, it also reveals its unique character under the name Fromenteau.Further south, in Languedoc-Roussillon and in Provence, Roussanne also thrives fully, 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 indeed also conquered many vineyards internationally. 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, turning a golden color at maturity, sometimes speckled with russet spots, which gives it its name. This late-ripening grape requires a lot of attention: it needs sun and poor soils but is sensitive to drought.
Fragile but precious, Roussanne yields low and irregular harvests, making it a grape variety primarily sought after for high-end cuvées.Its fine aromas, roundness, and natural freshness make it an ideal choice for dry white wines and sparkling wines.
Dry white wines based on Roussanne stand out with their bright golden color. On the palate, they reveal subtle floral aromas like honeysuckle and hawthorn, accompanied by enticing fruity notes evoking apricot, pear, and ripe apple, sometimes enhanced with a honeyed touch. As they age, the wines often gain complexity, revealing intense notes of dried fruits and a full texture, perfectly balanced between freshness and roundness.And yes, Roussanne is a grape variety that allows the production of beautiful 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
What dishes to pair with Roussanne?
Wines made from Roussanne offer beautiful complexity and are capable of gracefully pairing with many dishes.
Thus, the sparkling wines made from this grape variety, light and refined, are perfect for starting a meal. They are ideally enjoyed as an aperitif, bringing freshness and pleasure from the first sips.
As for the dry white wines of Roussanne, they shine at the table thanks to their versatility and aromatic complexity. With seafood or shellfish, Roussanne works wonders, for example. Imagine grilled prawns or a pan-seared scallop dish, enhancing its floral and fruity notes.
Regarding 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 gourmet and flavorful pairing.
To fully appreciate the elegance and aromatic richness of your Roussanne bottles, we recommend serving them at a temperature between 10-12°C.With sparkling wines or the lightest white wines, a range of 8-10°C can even be applied.
Enjoy Roussanne with a sole meunière: a gourmet delight!
The best wines made from the Roussanne grape variety
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 Anne-Sophie & Jean-François Quénard stands out for its beautiful range of Chignin-Bergeron, a magnificent appellation specializing in the production of Roussanne. This family-run estate takes advantage of the Savoyard terroir to offer rich, aromatic wines of great finesse.Cuvées that will captivate 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
