McPherson Roussanne

 

RATING:  DA@# GOOD!

McPherson Roussanne

Roussanne is a white grape varietal originally grown in the Rhone Valley wine region of France however today it is planted throughout the world. Traditionally, Roussanne is often blended with Marsanne where it results in the classic blend for Northern Rhone wines as well as sparkling wines produced from the same region. 

The McPherson family have been growing grapes and making wine in Texas for over 40 years.  In 2000 Kim McPherson created the McPherson Cellars label in honor his father, Dr. Clinton A. McPherson who is known as one of the fathers of the modern Texas wine industry.  This wine was sealed with a natural cork and has a 13.9% alcohol level.  

 

The McPherson Roussanne is a pale golden color.  On the nose are aromas of flowering herbs, honeysuckle, Asian pear, white flowers, white pepper, wet stone minerality, lemon zest, tea leaf, and apricot.  On the palate are flavors of grapefruit, lemon lime zest, nectarines, peach blossoms, pear skin, mineral, and lemon candies.  Overall, this wine is full bodied with a refreshing finish.  I am very impressed!  

 

Roussanne is rarely made into a varietal only wine however when it is, it is underrated in its ability to pair with food.  Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier pairs well with:

• Combinations of fruit and sweet spice such as mango chutney, Chinese plum sauce, and tangy fruit barbecue sauce
• Almost all cheese as long as it isn’t overly pungent
• Smoked foods of fish, chicken, and duck
• Caramelized or roasted vegetables and starches such as baked squash, polenta, and risotto