Cave de Tain l'Hermitage
Nobles Rives Marsanne
Hermitage, Northern Rhône, Rhône, France
Marsanne, the more acidic, less flavorful cousin of Roussanne, is a grape grown primarily in the Loire valley, though it is gaining popularity in California and Australia as a boutique option to the more standard fair of perennial table white varietals. It's often blended for still or sparkling white wines as it yields weight and structure to the blend. Alone, it can suffer greatly from a lack of complex or deep flavors and this can be especially true in colder climates and underripe fruit. Pro tip: try drinking Marsanne at a red wine temp to try to coax out its depth of flavor - though this one is nothing to write home about. ~$14 | #loirevalley #marsanne #whitewine
On the eyes: Pale yellow-straw, bright and clear, med- stain, med- tears, no gas/floc.
On the nose: Cashew and quince, vinous, and mineralty. Not much there. Med- alcohol.
On the tongue: Med+ acid, med tannin, med- alcohol, med body - a bit flabby. Quince, unripe pear, lawn clippings, and slate - not a lot of flavor here, either cold or slightly warm. Again, tastes like cheap flat champagne.
Marsanne, the more acidic, less flavorful cousin of Roussanne, is a grape grown primarily in the Loire valley, though it is gaining popularity in California and Australia as a boutique option to the more standard fair of perennial table white varietals. It's often blended for still or sparkling white wines as it yields weight and structure to the blend. Alone, it can suffer greatly from a lack of complex or deep flavors and this can be especially true in colder climates and underripe fruit. Pro tip: try drinking Marsanne at a red wine temp to try to coax out its depth of flavor - though this one is nothing to write home about. ~$14 | #loirevalley #marsanne #whitewine
On the eyes: Pale yellow-straw, bright and clear, med- stain, med- tears, no gas/floc.
On the nose: Cashew and quince, vinous, and mineralty. Not much there. Med- alcohol.
On the tongue: Med+ acid, med tannin, med- alcohol, med body - a bit flabby. Quince, unripe pear, lawn clippings, and slate - not a lot of flavor here, either cold or slightly warm. Again, tastes like cheap flat champagne.