Like
its conventional blending parter Marsanne, Roussane is most frequently
associated with the northern Rhone Valley. With Marsanne, it is the only
white variety grown in the AOCs of St. Joseph, Hermitage, and Crozes-Hermitage.
Of all the white varieties, Roussanne may the most difficult to grow for
quality. Not only are yields irregular, but the grape is also especially
sensitive to mildew, rot, wind, and drought. At its best, Roussanne is
wonderfully aromatic with flowery, citrus-like notes, as well as hints
of herbal tea. Efforts have been made to cultivate the variety elsewhere
in the last 15 years, most notably in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo
counties of California. Still, cultivation has been in decline in the
Northern Rhone, a result of the substantial challenges in growing the
grape.
Like
its conventional blending parter Marsanne, Roussane is most frequently
associated with the northern Rhone Valley. With Marsanne, it is the only
white variety grown in the AOCs of St. Joseph, Hermitage, and Crozes-Hermitage.
Of all the white varieties, Roussanne may the most difficult to grow for
quality. Not only are yields irregular, but the grape is also especially
sensitive to mildew, rot, wind, and drought. At its best, Roussanne is
wonderfully aromatic with flowery, citrus-like notes, as well as hints
of herbal tea. Efforts have been made to cultivate the variety elsewhere
in the last 15 years, most notably in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo
counties of California. Still, cultivation has been in decline in the
Northern Rhone, a result of the substantial challenges in growing the
grape.
