Roussanne
The white grape Roussanne was once so unpopular that it was in danger of dying out. But its value, often providing backbone and elegance in blends, is recognised, especially in its home region of the Rhône. Usually blended with grapes like Marsanne and Viognier the Roussanne grape is also found in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, in California & Australia.
Best known Roussanne wines are white Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage & Chateauneuf du Pape. Pure Roussanne wines are rare but the best Roussanne wines taste of pears and herbs and become nutty with age; they are usually are elegant & age well.