There’s a special release of the first Marsanne as a single varietal this month, definitely a treat.
Marsanne is known as the white workhorse grape of the southern Rhone and much of southern France, and is widely planted in Australia as well. Marsanne is a sturdy, hardy grape that produces a full-bodied wine with the heft of a good Chardonnay. Its relatively simple fruity flavors make it a natural candidate for a blending base, though interesting varietal Marsanne can also be produced.
The principal white Rhone varietals are Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne, each found throughout the Rhone Valley, and Grenache Blanc a widely planted, but less well known, contributor in the southern Rhone. The other white grapes include Bourboulenc, Clairette Blanc, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Picardin, Picpoul/Piquepoul Blanc, and Ugni Blanc.
The Marsanne grapes came from Borra Vineyards in the Lodi region of California, located in the Central Valley. The Lodi region is quickly growing into a grape growing area. There are three factors that create a great grape growing region: climate, soil and technology and Lodi is blessed with the perfect blend of the three for grapevines.
The grapes were harvested in the fall of 2010 and were pressed out upon their arrival in the Lynfred cellar. The wine was aged in new American and French oak barrels.
The 2010 vintage Marsanne has an enticing tropical nose and oaky characteristics attributable to having used the best new barrels. Enjoy this beautiful white with curried dishes, smoked fish, crab and chicken.
Taste Profile
Aroma: Peaches, tropical, toasty
Palate: Cinnamon, toffee, tropical
Body: Medium
Finish: Succulent, oaky, toasty, elegant
Foods: Curry dishes, chicken marsala, crab cakes
Technical Notes
Aged: American & French Oak
Vintage: 2010
Residual Sugar: 0.1%
Alcohol Percentage: 13.5
Titratable Acid: 4.51 g/L
pH: 3.65
Release Date: January 1, 2012
Total Cases: 249 cases
Club Release Price: $19.00
Winery Release Price: $22.25
Aging Potential: 1-3 Years
Serving Temperature: 55
