Marsanne Wines

This grape varietal originally came from the Northern Rhone region in France but has since been grown in any location that can accommodate its fickle weather demands. Those who are able to cultivate it are rewarded with some of the best white wine in the world, as any wine aficionado can attest. While there is a defined traditional style of Marsanne wine, including robust earthy undertones and a capability to dry your mouth out in a flash, various producers have experimented with more exotic combinations, typically reminiscent of honeysuckle with a healthy inclusion of delicious melon and pear.

An example of the latter would be the M. Chapoutier Ermitage de l’Oree Blanc Hermitage, with tropical, light but balanced tones and 14% alcohol content. White wines are already considered ideal for summer, but this one brings the feeling of relaxing in a lush flower garden as the sound and smell of ocean waves soothe you into a nirvana-like state. Meanwhile, the Cave Yves Saint-Peray Lieu-Dit Biousse, with a strong citrus backbone and an airy, spiced finish, makes an excellent example of a more affordable Marsanne variant that is still well-suited for any black tie event. Whichever one you opt for, you can rest easy knowing that your next social event will go down as smooth as the wine you will all be sipping. That is unless the Marsanne tempts you into finishing the bottle before that.