Marsanne (grape)

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Marsanne is a little used variety of grape, most common in the northern Rhône, where it is often blended with Roussanne. It is also grown in Switzerland where its name has the synonym Ermitage Blanc, and the Goulburn Valley region of Australia. The Australian varieties often require unusually long bottle aging compared to most white wines.

The wines created from Marsanne are rich and nutty, with hints of spice and pear. Often Australian Marsanne has aromas of melon and honeysuckle.

For many years the variety was kept alive by the Tahbilk Winery in the Goulburn Valley but over recent times Marsanne has become much more popular throughout Australian wine regions.