Marselan
A grape variety included quite recently in the appellation specifications (2020 for AOC Côtes du Rhône for example), Marselan produces a complex, very colourful, very fragrant wine, rich in supple and harmonious tannins. It is a crossing between Grenache noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Informations
Origin: INRA Montpellier (crossing made in 1961)
Location within the Rhône Valley: Southern Rhône Valley
Plantings within the Rhône Valley AOCs: About 1 000 hectares
In the vineyards
Ampelography: Small, shiny, dark green leaf
Bunch and berries: Numerous small clusters, with very small berries with thick skin, which take on an intense bluish hue when ripe
Maturity: Mid- to late-ripening
Characteristics: Moderately late-ripening grape variety, relatively unproductive, to be harvested slightly late for full phenolic ripeness. Resistant to rot and sensitive to drought.
Terroir: Soils with a good water reserve
In the cellars
Characteristics: Marselan's distinctive traite is its high concentration of anthocyanins and tannins, giving structured and intensely coloured wines, with an intense aromatic expression, and notes of ripe red and black fruits. The acidic structure ensures the balance of the wines, while offering them good aging potential.
Wine styles: Still dry red and rosé wines
Fun facts
The name Marselan alledgedly comes from the town of Marseillan, in Hérault, near which it was created in 1961.