Marsanne

Marsanne is a foundational white grape of France’s northern Rhône Valley, where it is often blended with Roussanne and increasingly bottled on its own in both Old World and New World regions. It is a moderately vigorous, reliable ripener that produces medium to large clusters of thick-skinned berries, thriving in warm, sun-exposed sites. The vine prefers well-drained granitic, stony, or calcareous soils and tends to accumulate richness and weight as it ripens, with acidity naturally dropping later in the season. Marsanne wines range from pale straw to deep gold, with moderate acidity, broad texture, and flavors of pear, stone fruit, almond, and subtle floral or honeyed tones. Styles span from fresh and understated to fuller, more structured bottlings that can develop waxy, nutty complexity with age.