Given its ability to retain acidity when grown in warm climates, you’d think Roussanne would be the white grape variety of choice in southern Australia’s Mediterranean climate. Although we see the odd blend of Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier, single varietal Roussanne is thin on the ground.
While it is true that Rhone white varietals can be a hard sell, it is equally true that Roussanne, when done well, is absolutely delicious. Such is the case with this example from Box Grove Vineyard in central Victoria. From the first sniff to the last glass it is textbook Roussanne. The fact that it has the benefit of several years in bottle is an added bonus. Chardonnay drinkers take note – give Roussanne a try!
2009 BOX GROVE VINEYARD ROUSSANNE
Producer: Box Grove Vineyard
Variety: Roussanne
Region: Nagambie Lakes, Victoria
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $30.00
Date tasted: 23 September 2016
Tasting Note:
Bright golden yellow in appearance. Clean nose of Beurre Bosch pear, white nectarine, cantaloupe and grilled cashew, slightly honeyed. Dry, medium bodied, round, nice pillowy texture. Prototypical Roussanne that is showing the benefit of a few years bottle age. Delicious and a great alternative for Chardonnay at the dinner table.
Score: 16.5/20
While it is true that Rhone white varietals can be a hard sell, it is equally true that Roussanne, when done well, is absolutely delicious. Such is the case with this example from Box Grove Vineyard in central Victoria. From the first sniff to the last glass it is textbook Roussanne. The fact that it has the benefit of several years in bottle is an added bonus. Chardonnay drinkers take note – give Roussanne a try!
2009 BOX GROVE VINEYARD ROUSSANNEProducer: Box Grove Vineyard
Variety: Roussanne
Region: Nagambie Lakes, Victoria
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $30.00
Date tasted: 23 September 2016
Tasting Note:
Bright golden yellow in appearance. Clean nose of Beurre Bosch pear, white nectarine, cantaloupe and grilled cashew, slightly honeyed. Dry, medium bodied, round, nice pillowy texture. Prototypical Roussanne that is showing the benefit of a few years bottle age. Delicious and a great alternative for Chardonnay at the dinner table.
Score: 16.5/20
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