Marselan

Marselan is a relatively new hybrid grape variety which is rapidly gaining interest among both winemakers and wine lovers alike. It offers an interesting range of aromas and flavours with a well-balanced structure.

Marselan produces a deep purple-coloured juice with a vibrant hue. Its aroma profile is dominated by notes of blackberry, redcurrant and black pepper, whilst its palate is medium-bodied, with a pleasantly supple texture and fine tannins. The taste is dominated by ripe red fruit and blackberry, with hints of spice and liquorice.

Marselan is originately from the south of France, but gained its reputation in China and Uruguay. Despite the shy of vineyard surface in China, Marselan is seen as a top quality wine grape for Chinese wine, recognized by many wine critics and experts as the signature grape of China. In France, it scattered in the southern regions like southern Rhone, Languedoc-Roussilon and Bordeaux. It can be found in small quantities in Spain and Argentina too. Marselan is resistent to mildew and botrytis and grows well in warmer regions. It was added to the permitted grape in Bordeaux in 2016, along with the Portuguese varieties to adapt to the climate change in the region. Due to its characteristics, it can be made as a lighter, accessible wine, as well as richer, bolder and more complex wine with oak aging. Marselan wines from China are usually single varietal. Those wines are medium-bodied, with intense fruit flavors of ripe cherry, blackberry, and some spicy, leathery notes. In France, it is usually added to IGP wines as a blending partner. Marselan wines pair well with a range of dishes, including grilled meats, roast chicken and hearty stews. They are also a great match for tomato-based pasta dishes and hard cheese.

Marselan is a relatively recent creation, having been created in 1961 in France by crossing Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache.

It was originally developed as a way to create a more disease-resistant variety which was suited to the Languedoc-Roussillon region.