A WHITE GRAPE
Roussanne
What Roussanne tastes like
Roussanne is a white grape that appears in 16 of the appellations in our table. Where it is grown at its best known, the style is described this way: full-bodied, ripe red blends with garrigue spice, supple tannin and alcoholic warmth; whites are rich and aromatic, a small share of production.
Where Roussanne grows
Our appellations table names Roussanne in 16 wine regions. The ones with the most wines in our database are Châteauneuf-du-Pape (France), Hermitage (France), Saint-Joseph (France), Crozes-Hermitage (France), Rhône (France), St. Joseph (France), Ermitage (France), Faugères (France), Collines Rhodaniennes (France), Costières de Nîmes (France), Rhône Valley (France) and Chignin Bergeron (France).
Roussanne is grown well beyond that list: 4 more appellations name it as a main grape, which is part of why one bottle can taste so different from the next.
How the place changes the glass
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape (France): Full-bodied, ripe red blends with garrigue spice, supple tannin and alcoholic warmth; whites are rich and aromatic, a small share of production. Climate: hot Mediterranean, with the Mistral wind and strong sunshine.
- Hermitage (France): Powerful, age-worthy red Syrah with dark fruit, peppery spice, and mineral tension; elegant, sometimes floral whites. Climate: continental with warm, dry summers and cold, occasionally snowy winters.
- Saint-Joseph (France): Medium-bodied, approachable red Syrah with brighter red fruit and spice than Hermitage/Cornas; fresh, mineral whites. Climate: continental, warm, and relatively dry.
- Crozes-Hermitage (France): Medium-bodied, fruit-forward reds with peppery spice and mineral edges; whites are rich and textured. Climate: cool continental with significant temperature variation.
What to eat with Roussanne
- In Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Roasted lamb, Provençal stew, game birds, herb-crusted beef, Mediterranean vegetable dishes.
- In Hermitage: Braised beef, game venison, wild mushroom dishes, mature cheeses, truffles.
- In Saint-Joseph: Roasted chicken, mushroom pasta, lighter game, charcuterie, white fish (white).
Roussanne in our cellar
The appellations above account for about 5,687 Roussanne wines in the Sommurai database, which is how we know which regions pour it most.
Grapes to try next
If you like Roussanne, these white grapes are worth a glass: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc and Albarino.
Quick answers
Where is Roussanne grown?
Our appellations table names Roussanne in 16 wine regions, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape (France), Hermitage (France), Saint-Joseph (France), Crozes-Hermitage (France) and Rhône (France).
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