Roussanne

A noble white Rhône grape variety blended with Marsanne to produce Crozes-Hermitage, St Joseph and Hermitage, as well as being a component of white Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The grape can make wines that boast extraordinary class, finesse, with fine acidity demonstrating greengage fruit characteristics. Usually unoaked, Roussanne can support some barrel ageing but only when the wood is old. Found rarely on its own the most famous example is the glorious, long-lived Roussanne Vielles Vignes of Beaucastel.