A Demanding Grape with a Unique Personality

 

Native to the Rhône Valley, Roussanne finds ideal conditions there to unleash its full aromatic potential. It thrives in the warm and dry, low-altitude terroirs, such as the clay-limestone soils scattered with rolled pebbles of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. At Berthet-Rayne, our Roussanne plots, aged 20 to 40 years, are planted on our best terroirs of Chapouin and Coudoulet.

 

Roussanne is a delicate and low-yielding grape. Short pruning is practiced to control yields and enhance concentration. Under the influence of the Mistral wind, which sanitizes the clusters, the berries slowly accumulate aroma precursors, particularly the floral notes of honeysuckle and daffodil characteristic of the varietal.

 

A Grape that Brings Finesse and Complexity

 

In the white wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Roussanne is often blended with other varietals such as Clairette, Bourboulenc, or Grenache Blanc. It brings them great elegance, roundness, and richness, along with a complex aromatic enhancement evoking white flowers, white-fleshed fruits, and honey.

Its aging potential is remarkable.

Roussanne makes up 10% of our Tradition Blanc cuvée, alongside Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Grenache Blanc.

Harvested at optimal maturity, it is vinified at low temperatures to preserve its delicate fruitiness. The wine is distinguished by its pale yellow color, floral and citrus aromas, and a harmonious balance between roundness and freshness.

However, it is in our single-varietal Roussanne cuvée that this grape expresses all its nobility. Aged for 4 months in barrels on lees, this confidential cuvée is characterized by its intense yellow color, its refined nose of white peach, candied citrus, and white flowers, highlighted by notes of toasted bread and vanilla. The palate is full and round, with a slightly honeyed finish of great persistence.