Grape Glossary

From the steep slopes of the Rhône, Roussanne produces elegant, yet richly-textured, medium-bodied wines with good acidic balance and the capability to age for decades.

Roussanne is a warm climate, late ripening, delicate vine that requires shelter to avoid coulure (dropping its flowers before berries have had a chance to form). It is best suited to the middle of steep slopes; it produces low yields and is prone to grey rot, mildew and oxidation.

One of the principal white varieties of the Rhône Valley, Roussanne is the only one that contributes to both red and white wines in the northern and southern Rhône. It is more prevalent than the rarer Viognier but less planted than Marsanne.