WineGuessrWhite grape variety
Roussanne
Also called Bergeron
Roussanne is a white grape from the northern Rhône, France, named for the russet colour of its ripe berries. It makes aromatic, textured wines with notes of herbal tea and pear, often blended with Marsanne. In Savoie it is called Bergeron and makes Chignin-Bergeron.
| Color | White (green-skinned) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Northern Rhône, France |
| Body | Medium to full |
| Acidity | Medium to high |
| Typical aromas | pear, herbal tea, honey, apricot, white flowers, hazelnut |
| Key regions | Rhône Valley (France), Savoie (France), Languedoc-Roussillon (France), California (United States), Australia |
Origin and history
Roussanne comes from the northern Rhône Valley. Its name most likely derives from roux, the French word for the reddish-brown russet colour the berries take on when ripe. It is a difficult vine to grow: it ripens late, gives irregular yields and is vulnerable to powdery mildew, drought and wind. It is nevertheless valued for its aroma and is most often blended with Marsanne, both in the Rhône and in Rhône-style vineyards abroad.
Where it grows
In the northern Rhône it is permitted alongside Marsanne in Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and Saint-Péray. In the southern Rhône it is one of the white grapes allowed in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where it can feature in both white wines and red blends. In Savoie, under the name Bergeron, it makes the aromatic Chignin-Bergeron. It is also grown in Languedoc-Roussillon, in California and in Australia. Because it is harder to grow, it is usually the minor partner to Marsanne, the most planted white grape of Hermitage.
Taste, wine styles and food
Roussanne gives more aroma and acidity than Marsanne, which is why the two are so often blended. Young wines show floral, herbal and fruit notes such as pear and the herbal tea character often cited for the grape, becoming nuttier with age. In warm climates the wines are rich, with honey and pear; in cooler areas such as Savoie they are lighter and fresher. Picked too early it can be sharply acidic. Its body suits roast poultry, pork, shellfish in butter sauce, mushroom dishes and Alpine cheeses.
Wines made with Roussanne (5)
WineGuessr lists 5 wines made with Roussanne, all from France.
Roussanne: questions and answers
Is Bergeron the same as Roussanne?
Yes. Bergeron is the Savoie name for Roussanne, used for the Chignin-Bergeron wine.
Why is it called Roussanne?
The name probably comes from roux, the French word for russet, describing the reddish-brown colour of the ripe berries.
Is Roussanne allowed in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Yes. Roussanne is one of the white grapes permitted in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and can be used in white and red wines.
What is Roussanne usually blended with?
Roussanne is most often blended with Marsanne, as in white Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph.
Other white grapes
All grape varieties →Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Last reviewed October 2026.