Roussanne

TL; DR

A herbal, floral wine that takes on plenty of richness as it ages.

So, who's famous for it?

France - Rhone Valley, Savoie

USA - California

Israel - Golan Heights

Australia - Yarra Valley, Beechworth

What does it taste like?

The aromas of Roussanne are a little bit like a flowery, herbal tea - think chamomile and daisy. In its youth it shows more floral, herbal and fruit notes, such as pear, which become more nutty as the wine ages. The wines are often best when young (2-3 years) or much older (10 years +)

Main styles it's known for?

In warm climates, it produces wines of real power and richness, with flavours of honey and pear, and with a full body. In cooler climates however, it is more floral and delicate, with higher acidity.

What foods should you be pairing it with?

Younger wines without oak can work well with lighter seafood dishes, but these are rare. In the more common, fuller form, look to match it with roast chook, perhaps veal or pate, or shellfish cooked in butter.

Fun fact?

The name of the grape is linked to the French colour roux, meaning russet. This is the distinctive colour the grapes turn when they ripen!

If you like this, you should also give these grapes a guzzle...?

Semillon, Marsanne