Roussanne Grape Varietal Definition
The varietal takes its name from “roux”, the French word for “russet”—an apt description of the grapes’ reddish gold skins at harvest.
Roussanne grapes are thin and tart, and not often bottled on their own in Europe. Generally, they are blended with Marsanne in France’s Rhône Valley and with Chardonnay in other areas.
It is one of two white grape varietals allowed to grow in the Rhône, and they’re used there to create rare white wines such as Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
One-hundred-percent Roussannes are somewhat rare, but are fine, delicate wines often with aromas of wild flowers or green tea. Roussannes pair well with seafood such as crab and lobster.