Roussanne
TL; DR
A herbal, floral wine that takes on plenty of richness as it ages.
So, who's famous for it?--red
France - Rhone Valley, Savoie
USA - California
Israel - Golan Heights
Australia - Yarra Valley, Beechworth
What does it taste like?--aromatic
The aromas of Roussanne are a little bit like a flowery, herbal tea - think chamomile and daisy. In its youth it shows more floral, herbal and fruit notes, such as pear, which become more nutty as the wine ages. The wines are often best when young (2-3 years) or much older (10 years +)
Main styles it's known for?--racy
In warm climates, it produces wines of real power and richness, with flavours of honey and pear, and with a full body. In cooler climates however, it is more floral and delicate, with higher acidity.
What foods should you be pairing it with?--aromatic
Younger wines without oak can work well with lighter seafood dishes, but these are rare. In the more common, fuller form, look to match it with roast chook, perhaps veal or pate, or shellfish cooked in butter.
Fun fact?--cellar
The name of the grape is linked to the French colour roux, meaning russet. This is the distinctive colour the grapes turn when they ripen!
If you like this, you should also give these grapes a guzzle...?--plum
Semillon, Marsanne