Marsanne
This
grape is relatively new to the "varietal scene",
as one of the white wine grapes that is helping, along with
Viognier and Roussanne, to increase the visibility and popularity
of "Rhône-style" wines in California in particular
and the United States in general.
Its
probable origin is the northern Rhône region and it
is one of eight white grape varieties allowed in the Côtes
du Rhône appellation. Offering greater productivity
and intriguingly different aromas, it has gradually taken
oven the role of blending that traditionally was held in many
Rhône appellations by Roussanne. Besides fairly recent
and limited plantings in California, Australia has less than
250 acres of vineyards planted to Marsanne, although some
date back a century or more.
While
the vines are relatively hardy, the grapes hangs in winged,
long, well-filled, and compact clusters. This leaves the fruit
susceptible to powdery mildew (odium), bunch rot, berry cracking
and excessive juicing at harvest. Marsanne grapes tend to
be low in acidity, so both must and wine have tendencies to
oxidation and browning. This grape's varietal character has
little tolerance for weather that is either too cool or too
warm and bland, simply vinous wine will result.
The round, medium-gold to amber Marsanne berries make deep-colored
wine that is also fairly full-bodied, sometimes described
as almost "waxy". Where growing conditions are right,
Marsanne aromas can suggest almond paste or citrus, mixed
with perfume or model airplane cement. Low aciditiy means
Marsanne wine is best consumed young.
NOTES
The
eight white varieties permitted in Côtes du Rhône
are Bourboulenc, Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne,
Muscat Blanc, Picardan, Roussanne, and Viognier.
