Marsanne

TL; DR

Complex white wine variety known for ageing very well despite its low acidity.

Who's famous for it?--racy

France - Rhone Valley, Languedoc

Switzerland - Valais

USA - Washington, California

Australia - Nagambie, Rutherglen, Yarra Valley

What does it taste like?--aromatic

Marsanne is driven by ripe pear and sometimes quince, along with some lemon curd notes. As it ages it takes on flavours of toasted nuts and some honey. The texture gets richer and rounder and it becomes a softer, more luxurious wine.

Main styles it's known for?--cellar

Marsanne is relatively low in acidity, but manages to age incredibly well despite this. It changes quite remarkably from a fresh pear and lemon driven wine, to a richer, creamier beast, with nuts and honey.

What foods should you be pairing it with?--plum

Richer white meats, like roast chicken or turkey would work very well, or perhaps a creamy pasta. Also poached fish, with a butter sauce perhaps. Mmmmm....

Fun fact--earth

The Tahbilk vineyard on the banks of the Goulburn River has a storied history with Marsanne, with vineyards that date back to the 1860s!

If you like this, you should also give these grapes a guzzle...--wines

Chardonnay, Viognier