Roussanne
The aromatic Rhône white grape. Partner to Marsanne in Hermitage Blanc and serious CDP blanc. Tablas Creek’s Esprit de Tablas Blanc is Roussanne-led.
About Roussanne
Roussanne is the more aromatic and editorially distinctive of the two major Northern Rhône white grapes (the other being Marsanne, with which it’s typically blended). The grape’s defining characteristics include intense aromatic complexity (herbal tea, honeysuckle, pear, beeswax), medium-to-full body, and moderate acid — paired with significant viticultural challenges (late ripening, lower yields than Marsanne, more difficult to grow consistently). In Hermitage Blanc, Roussanne typically constitutes 30-50% of the blend, with Marsanne providing structure and longevity. In Southern Rhône Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc, Roussanne is one of several authorized white grapes. The Rhône Rangers movement in California has elevated Roussanne to serious editorial status — Tablas Creek’s Esprit de Tablas Blanc is Roussanne-led and represents one of the canonical California Rhône-style white wines. Other significant California Roussanne producers include Calera and Saxum (Roussanne component in white blends).
Variety profile
Editorial notes
Roussanne is more aromatic but more difficult to grow than Marsanne. Tablas Creek’s Esprit de Tablas Blanc is the canonical California Rhône-style white — Roussanne-led blend.