Welcome to our latest installment of #WinephabetStreet. In this series, Debbie Gioquindo and I will be working our way through the wine world by way of the alphabet. Each month we will take the next letter in the alphabet and learn the characteristics and history of the grape, as well as suggested wine pairings. So uncork, unscrew or saber that bottle and connect with us as we chat, laugh and drink wine all in a laid back atmosphere.
R is for Roussanne
The varietal takes its name from “roux”, the French word for “russet”—an apt description of the grapes’ reddish gold skins at harvest.
Although no one is precisely sure where Roussanne originated, it seems likely the varietal is native to the Rhône Valley and to the Isere Valley in eastern France. The varietal has not ventured far from its origin; most of the world’s Roussanne is grown throughout the Rhône, where it is traditionally used as a blending grape.
In My Glass
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Ep. 86 Welcome to Winephabet Street; R is for Roussanne
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Our next episode of Winephabet Street will air on Saturday January 25th at 1pm EST. Yes, we are recording on a Saturday this month! You can sign up for a reminder here. The letter of the day will be S and it stands for Sangiovese. And don’t forget to head to our Winephabet Street website to find out more.
~Sláinte!
Love a good Roussanne 😉
I do too!!!! another grape that isn’t so mainstream, but when you find a good one… it is oh so good!
“most of the world’s Roussanne is grown throughout the Rhône, where it is traditionally used as a blending grape” – yes, and the best blends come from Hermitage like Hermitage Blanc. I used to work in Lyon so got this very bad habit of being accustomed to not expensive – comparatively) – Rhone favorites…
have you had many New World Roussanne? How would you compare. It must have been so “tough” living/drinking there! :O)
actually no, I have not tasted many New Wolrd Roussannes. I remember well I liked a lot the one from Washington. and was very surprised when recently was brought the one from Israel, I mean Ch. Golan. To my taste – it was a little unbalanced, too tropical so to speak.
and yes- it was tough living in Lyon – Rhone to the south, Bourgogne to the north ))
I have not had a Washington one,… but have several from our beloved Paso Robles. Maybe give one of them a chance? :o)
I’m between Tokyo and St. Petersburg now, to tell the truth – they don’t have Raso Robles Roussanne in every store )) even in Tokyo. will wait until I’m in Ca. By the way – found a my notes a great sample of Roussanne from Beaucastel, very solid structure, endless finish and sea on my lips (which was unexpected)
ha! you mean you can’t walk into any store and be overrun by Paso?! LOL Safe Travels!