Origins and Global Presence of Roussanne and Marselan
Roussanne: Rhône’s Aromatic White Jewel
Roussanne hails from France’s Rhône Valley, where it is celebrated for its vibrant acidity and complex aromatics. In the Northern Rhône, it partners with Marsanne in famous appellations like Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage, while in the south, it shines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s white blends. Beyond the Rhône, Roussanne is also grown in Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, and Savoie—where it’s known as Bergeron and produces highly aromatic wines. Its success has traveled far, with California’s Central Coast and Washington State leading New World plantings, and smaller but growing vineyards in Australia, Italy, Texas, and even places like Greece, Israel, and South Africa. Roussanne’s adaptability and signature notes of honey, apricot, and herbal spice have made it a favorite among winemakers seeking both character and elegance.
Marselan: A Modern Red with Global Ambition
Marselan is a recent addition to the wine world, born in 1961 in southern France from a cross of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache Noir. Its name comes from the town of Marseillan, close to where it was first developed. Though it started out as a little-known variety, Marselan has quickly gained ground for its ability to handle heat and disease, making it especially popular in regions facing climate change. Today, France remains its heartland, especially in Languedoc and the Southern Rhône, and it has been welcomed into Bordeaux blends. China is now the second-largest producer, with award-winning examples from Ningxia and Xinjiang. Marselan is also making a mark in Spain, Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Israel, and the United States, as well as in smaller plantings across Europe and South America. Its steady rise reflects a growing global appreciation for its vibrant fruit, structure, and resilience in the vineyard.