Marsanne

[mahr-SAN] White-wine grape that is widely grown in France's northern rhône region and that is the principal grape in the white wines of crozes-hermitage, hermitage saint joseph and saint péray. Small amounts of Marsanne are also grown in Australia, Switzerland, and the United States. Marsanne, which is usually blended with roussanne in the Rhône whites, is also officially sanctioned in the Hermitage red wines. Traditionally made white wines can be full-bodied (see body), heavy, and somewhat dull when young but can develop magnificently with age. Wines made with more modern methods can be lighter and fruitier, with a perfumy fragrance; they should be drunk young. Marsanne is also known as Ermitage, Hermitage Blanc, Marsana, and Grosse Roussette.