Marsanne

Quick Facts

Berry Color: Green-yellow to golden
Skin Thickness: Medium-thick
Ripening: Mid-season
Vigor: Moderate
Yield: Moderate
Acidity: Low (characteristic)
Partner: Often blended with Roussanne

Overview

Marsanne is the Northern Rhône’s primary white grape variety, producing full-bodied, golden wines with distinctive nutty, waxy character and low acidity. Most famously associated with white Hermitage—one of France’s longest-lived white wines—Marsanne also dominates white St-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage. The variety is often blended with Roussanne, which provides the acidity and aromatics that Marsanne lacks, creating wines greater than either variety alone. For enologists, Marsanne represents an important study in low-acid white wine production and the aging potential of full-bodied whites.

Etymology and History

Name Origin

Marsanne: From village of Marsanne in Drôme

Location: Near Montélimar, France

Historical Development

Native to Northern Rhône
Traditional Hermitage white
Classic Roussanne blend partner
Australian success story (19th century plantings)
Modern global expansion

Classic Partnership

Marsanne + Roussanne: Traditional Rhône blend

Marsanne: Body, texture, richness

Roussanne: Acidity, aromatics, complexity

Viticulture

Vine Characteristics

Growth Habit: Moderate vigor

Leaf Shape: Medium; five-lobed

Cluster: Medium; compact

Berry: Medium; round; golden when ripe

Growing Requirements

Climate: Warm; Mediterranean to continental

Soil Preference: Granite, limestone

Challenge: Sensitive to powdery mildew

Training: Various methods

Phenological Stages

Stage	Timing
Bud break	Mid-April
Flowering	Early June
Véraison	Early August
Harvest	Mid-late September

Viticultural Challenges

Mildew: Powdery mildew susceptibility

Oxidation: Must handle carefully

Ripening: Full maturity important

Wine Profile

Appearance

Color: Deep gold (deeper than most whites)
Intensity: Rich; oily appearance
Evolution: Darkens significantly with age

Aromatic Profile

Primary Aromas:

Almond, marzipan
White peach, apricot
Acacia, honeysuckle
Waxy, lanolin

Secondary/Tertiary:

Honey
Beeswax
Nuts (walnut, hazelnut)
Dried fruit

Palate Characteristics

Structure:

Full body
Low acidity (signature)
Rich, oily texture
Round, soft

Texture: Unctuous; viscous; waxy

Finish: Long; nutty; honeyed

Regional Expressions

Hermitage Blanc

Status: Benchmark; world-class

Blend: Usually with Roussanne

Character: Powerful; age-worthy (20-50+ years)

Quality: Among finest white wines

Crozes-Hermitage Blanc

Style: More accessible; earlier drinking

Quality: Variable; good value

Blend: Often with Roussanne

St-Joseph Blanc

Character: Fresh to rich depending on site

Quality: Growing recognition

Australia (Victoria)

Historic: 19th century plantings

Goulburn Valley: Tahbilk’s ancient vines (1927)

Character: Rich; tropical notes; longevity

Southern Rhône

Presence: Blending component

Role: Body, texture in white blends

Winemaking Considerations

Fermentation

Temperature: Moderate (16-20°C)

Duration: Standard to extended

Vessel: Oak common; stainless for freshness

Goal: Build texture; manage oxidation

Oxidation Concerns

Sensitivity: Prone to oxidation

Management: Careful handling; SO₂ management

Style Choice: Some oxidative development accepted

Oak Treatment

Traditional: Barrel fermentation/aging

Duration: 6-18 months

Type: French oak; neutral to new

Effect: Adds complexity; integrates

Blending with Roussanne

Traditional: Often 50/50 or Marsanne-dominant

Purpose: Roussanne adds acid, aromatics

Result: Complete, balanced wine

Food Pairing

Classic Matches

Rich Dishes:

Lobster, crab
Creamy chicken dishes
Rich fish (turbot, halibut)
Foie gras (aged white Hermitage)

Character: Needs substantial food

Temperature

Serving: 12-14°C (warmer than most whites)

Reason: Reveal complexity; mask low acid

Key Producers

Northern Rhône

M. Chapoutier: Hermitage benchmark
Jean-Louis Chave: Legendary quality
Paul Jaboulet Aîné: Historic producer
Domaine du Colombier: Quality Crozes

Australia

Tahbilk: Historic 1927 plantings
Yeringberg: Quality producer
Various Victorian producers

Market Position

Production Statistics

France (Rhône): ~1,200 hectares

Australia: ~700 hectares

California/Other: Growing

Pricing

Level	Price (€)
Entry Crozes	€12-20
Quality St-Joseph	€20-35
Hermitage	€45-150+
Icon Hermitage	€150-500+

Market Position

Recognition: Growing appreciation

Challenge: Low acidity polarizes

Strength: Age-worthy; unique character

Aging Potential

White Hermitage

Young (0-5 years): Rich; primary fruit

Closing (5-15 years): Can shut down

Reopening (15-30 years): Secondary complexity

Mature (30-50+ years): Profound; transcendent

Other Expressions

Crozes: 3-10 years

St-Joseph: 3-15 years

Australian: 10-30+ years (old vines)

Comparison with Full-Bodied Whites

Variety	Acidity	Body	Character
Marsanne	Low	Full	Waxy, nutty
Viognier	Low	Full	Floral, stone fruit
Chardonnay	Medium	Medium-full	Versatile
Roussanne	Medium-high	Medium-full	Herbal, tea

The Low Acidity Question

Characteristic

Natural Acidity: Among lowest of white varieties

Impact: Rich texture; short-term flabbiness risk

Quality Approach

Harvest Timing: Early for freshness

Blending: Roussanne adds lift

Oak: Structure from wood

Conclusion

Marsanne produces some of the wine world’s most distinctive and long-lived whites, trading the freshness of high-acid varieties for richness, texture, and remarkable complexity with age. For enologists, Marsanne demonstrates that quality white wine can emerge from low-acid varieties when handled with care and given time. The variety’s partnership with Roussanne in Hermitage and other Rhône appellations creates blends that balance Marsanne’s body with Roussanne’s aromatics and acidity. From youthful richness through decades of cellar development, Marsanne rewards patient appreciation with wines of genuine profundity.

References

Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
Livingstone-Learmonth, J. (2019). “The Wines of the Northern Rhône.” Infinite Ideas. Publisher Link
VIVC Database. Variety Information.

Last updated: January 13, 2026