Everything About Marsanne Grape
"mar-SAHN" 
Marsanne Description
Origin: Northern Rhône, France
History: Marsanne is a white wine grape variety originating from the Northern Rhône region of France, specifically from the village and abbey of Marsanne in the Drôme department. It is a principal component of the white wines from the Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph appellations. The grape is often blended with Roussanne to produce rich, full-bodied wines with aging potential. Outside France, Marsanne is also grown in Switzerland (where it is known as Ermitage Blanc), Spain (as Marsana), Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.
Appearance: Small to medium-sized, thick-skinned berries with a golden-yellow hue when ripe.
Growing Traits: Marsanne is a relatively late grape variety; it buds nine days after Chasselas, the benchmark variety, and ripens two and a half weeks after it, making it a Period II grape variety. It is a rustic and vigorous vine, fertile and productive. To produce high-quality wines, yield should be limited, for example, by short pruning to reduce load. Marsanne thrives in warm, stony, and not very fertile soils, often found in the Rhône Valley.
Food Pairing Marsanne's rich texture and medium acidity make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with seafood, especially lobster, crab, and scallops, as well as poultry, veal, and pork dishes. Its weight and complexity also complement creamy sauces and a diverse array of cheeses, both hard and soft.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Medium to full-bodied with a rich and opulent texture, offering both freshness and complexity. Typically vinified dry, though it can exhibit ripe fruit characteristics. Negligible tannins, as it is a white grape variety, resulting in a smooth finish. Medium acidity, providing balance and enhancing its aging potential. Moderate to high alcohol content, generally around 13-14%, contributing to its richness.
Honeysuckle 
Ripe pear 
Almond 
Citrus 
Peach Marsanne wines are characterized by delicate aromas of honeysuckle, ripe pear, and almond. On the palate, they unfold flavors of citrus and peach, balanced by a refreshing acidity. With age, Marsanne develops complex flavors of honey, baked apples, and marzipan, enhancing its depth and character.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/france.png)
France
•Northern Rhône
•Hermitage
•Crozes-Hermitage
•Saint-Joseph
![[object Object] Region](/regions/australia.png)
Australia
•Victoria
•Nagambie Lakes
![[object Object] Region](/regions/united_states.png)
United States
•California
•Washington
Notable Wines and Producers
Hermitage Blanc
•M. Chapoutier
•Jean-Louis Chave
Crozes-Hermitage Blanc
•Domaine Alain Graillot
•Domaine du Colombier
Tahbilk Marsanne
•Tahbilk Winery
Marsanne FAQ
Northern Rhône, France
Marsanne has a body level of 3 out of 5. Which means that Marsanne is Moderate bodied.
Marsanne has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Marsanne is Dry.
Northern Rhône, France
Marsanne is grown in France (Northern Rhône, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph)Australia (Victoria, Nagambie Lakes)United States (California, Washington).
Marsanne wines are characterized by delicate aromas of honeysuckle, ripe pear, and almond. On the palate, they unfold flavors of citrus and peach, balanced by a refreshing acidity. With age, Marsanne develops complex flavors of honey, baked apples, and marzipan, enhancing its depth and character.
Marsanne's rich texture and medium acidity make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with seafood, especially lobster, crab, and scallops, as well as poultry, veal, and pork dishes. Its weight and complexity also complement creamy sauces and a diverse array of cheeses, both hard and soft.
Marsanne wines are characterized by delicate aromas of honeysuckle, ripe pear, and almond. On the palate, they unfold flavors of citrus and peach, balanced by a refreshing acidity. With age, Marsanne develops complex flavors of honey, baked apples, and marzipan, enhancing its depth and character.