Roussanne

Quick Facts

Berry Color: Russet-yellow when ripe (name origin)
Skin Thickness: Medium
Ripening: Late
Vigor: Low
Yield: Low
Character: Aromatic; herbal; complex
Partner: Often blended with Marsanne

Overview

Roussanne is the Northern Rhône’s more aromatic and complex white variety, prized for its herbal, floral character that brings lift and elegance to blends with Marsanne. Named for its russet-colored berries at harvest, Roussanne is the more difficult of the classic Rhône white pair to cultivate, with low yields and disease susceptibility, but rewards careful viticulture with wines of genuine complexity and aging potential. In Savoie, it reaches its purest expression as Bergeron in Chignin-Bergeron. For enologists, Roussanne represents an important study in aromatic white wine production and the complementary role of blending partners.

Etymology and History

Name Origin

Roussanne: From French “roux” (russet)

Reference: Russet-brown color of ripe berries

Bergeron: Savoie name

Historical Development

Native to Northern Rhône
Traditional Hermitage blend component
Near-extinction from disease
Savoie cultivation as Bergeron
Modern revival and expansion

The Difficult Variety

Challenges: Low yield; disease prone

Near-Loss: Severely reduced by mid-20th century

Revival: Quality focus justified preservation

Viticulture

Vine Characteristics

Growth Habit: Low vigor; delicate

Leaf Shape: Small to medium

Cluster: Small; compact

Berry: Small; russet when ripe

Growing Requirements

Climate: Warm; Mediterranean

Soil Preference: Granite, limestone

Challenge: Disease susceptibility; low yields

Training: Careful management required

Phenological Stages

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

Viticultural Challenges

Powdery Mildew: Major susceptibility

Rot: Sensitive in humid conditions

Yields: Naturally low (30-40 hl/ha)

Result: More expensive; less planted than Marsanne

Wine Profile

Appearance

Color: Pale gold
Intensity: Medium
Evolution: Ages gracefully

Aromatic Profile

Primary Aromas:

Herbal (green tea, dried herbs)
Floral (white flowers)
Stone fruit (pear, peach)
Citrus (subtle)
Mineral

Secondary/Tertiary:

Tea-like complexity
Honey
Dried flowers
Spice

Palate Characteristics

Structure:

Medium body
Good to high acidity (vs. Marsanne)
Fresh, lifted
Complex texture

Texture: More elegant than Marsanne; fresh

Finish: Long; herbal; tea-like persistence

Regional Expressions

Northern Rhône Blends

Hermitage Blanc: Classic Marsanne-Roussanne blend

Role: Adds aromatics, acidity to Marsanne’s body

Balance: Lift; complexity; freshness

Savoie (Chignin-Bergeron AOC)

Status: Only 100% Roussanne appellation

Character: Pure expression; herbal; mineral

Quality: Benchmark single-variety wines

Southern Rhône

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc: Minor component

Role: Blending; complexity

Australia

Plantings: Growing interest

Style: Riper; fuller

California

Regions: Various

Style: New World interpretation

Winemaking Considerations

Fermentation

Temperature: Cool to moderate (15-18°C)

Duration: Standard

Vessel: Oak or stainless steel

Goal: Preserve aromatics; build complexity

Oak Treatment

Traditional: Barrel fermentation/aging

Effect: Integrates with herbal character

Duration: Moderate (6-12 months)

Blending Role

With Marsanne: Classic combination

Contribution: Acidity, aromatics, complexity

Ratio: Often 30-50% in blends

Oxidation Management

Sensitivity: Moderate

Approach: Careful handling

Food Pairing

Classic Matches

Rich Dishes:

White fish with herbs
Poultry with cream
Risotto
Mild cheeses

Character: Herb affinity; versatile

Temperature

Serving: 10-12°C

Key Producers

Northern Rhône

Jean-Louis Chave: Benchmark Hermitage
M. Chapoutier: Quality range
Various quality estates

Savoie

Jean-Claude Perret: Chignin-Bergeron specialist
André et Michel Quenard: Quality producer
Various Savoie estates

Market Position

Production Statistics

France (Rhône): ~600 hectares

France (Savoie): ~150 hectares

International: Growing

Pricing

Level	Price (€)
Savoie	€15-30
Rhône (blend component)	Part of blend pricing
Varietal	€15-35

Market Position

Perception: Quality variety; difficult

Strength: Aromatic complexity

Comparison with Marsanne

Characteristic	Roussanne	Marsanne
Vigor	Low	Moderate
Yield	Low	Moderate
Acidity	Medium-high	Low
Aromatics	Complex	Subtle
Body	Medium	Full
Character	Herbal, tea	Waxy, nutty

Why They Blend Well

Complementary: Each provides what the other lacks

Marsanne: Body, richness, texture

Roussanne: Acidity, aromatics, freshness

Result: Complete, balanced wines

Aging Potential

Single Variety

Chignin-Bergeron: 5-15 years

Character: Develops tea-like complexity

In Blends

Contributes: Longevity to Marsanne blends

Hermitage Blanc: 20-50+ years

Conclusion

Roussanne stands as one of the Rhône’s most complex and rewarding white varieties, offering herbal, floral aromatics that complement its more full-bodied partner Marsanne. For enologists, the variety demonstrates how difficult-to-grow grapes can justify their challenges through quality potential. Whether experienced in the pure expression of Savoie’s Chignin-Bergeron or as the aromatic backbone of white Hermitage, Roussanne delivers complexity and aging potential that few white varieties can match. Its revival from near-extinction proves that quality focus can save valuable grape heritage.

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