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Written by Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein

Roussanne is a grape that you should definitely know. Sadly, this rich, honeyed grape is fast disappearing from the vineyards of Hermitage and other northern Rhône Valley appellations where it once held court. It is difficult to ripen and grow, and its tendency to oxidize provides vintners with challenges at every turn. Amazingly, even though it comes off as rich and exotic, with an apparent lack of structure that makes it seem as if it's falling apart, it can hold that pose for years, even decades. A permitted component of white Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Roussanne is sharper and more flamboyant than its sibling Marsanne, which it is paired with in the northern Rhône but separated from in the south. Interestingly, its future in California may well prove more promising.

0.07%

Total vineyard/wine grape plantings in California
314 Acres

Bearing and non-bearing area in California

0.07%

Total vineyard/wine grape plantings in California
127.07 Hectares

Bearing and non-bearing area in California

(Year end 2024)

Signature Styles & Characteristics

Although any grape can be interpreted in innovative and at times, outlier styles, the following chart/graphic represents the preponderance of what you will find California’s winemakers producing.

Dryness/Residual Sugar

Still: 100 percent on a scale from Dry to Sweet of Dryness/Residual Sugar.
Acid (potential)

Still: 75 percent on a scale from Low to High of Acid (potential).
Alcohol (potential)

Still: 100 percent on a scale from Low to High of Alcohol (potential).
Body (weight on palate)

Still: 100 percent on a scale from Light to Full of Body (weight on palate).
Texture

Still: 100 percent on a scale from Tart and Lean to Round and Smooth of Texture.

Aromas/Flavors

Fruit

Yellow/golden apple, yellow/brown pear, orange, ripe lemon/Meyer lemon, white cherry, peach, apricot, green fig, lychee
Vegetable

Chervil, sorrel, verbena, green coffee bean, white/green tea
Floral

Chamomile, citrus blossom, wildflower, honeysuckle
Earth

Mineral, stone, salinity
Wood

Toasted almond, vanilla, brioche
Other

Ginger, honey, saffron, beeswax, white pepper