Roussanne-Viognier Controversy

Tablas Creek > Vineyard and Winemaking > Grapes > Roussanne-Viognier Controversy

It appears that during the 1990s, two prized Rhone varietals were confused in California. The Rhone varietal “Roussanne” that was introduced to California in the late 1980s and then propagated and distributed around the state, has turned out to be Viognier. In several series of DNA tests, conducted by vineyards like Caymus, Zaca Mesa, and St. Amant, the vines labeled as Roussanne have been proven to actually match Viognier.

Tablas Creek Nursery has been one of the leading sources of true Roussanne in the replanting and growth of popularity of this wonderful grape in the first years of the 21st century. The TRUWOOD™ Roussanne that Tablas Creek grows and markets through its Nursery is certified in France, and was imported legally through the USDA station at Cornell University.

For more information, you can read more about our nursery operations, or you are encouraged to contact us.

Roussanne & Viognier: A Detailed Comparison

Roussanne

  

Viognier
Roussanne grapes on the vine   Viognier grapes on the vine

The Roussanne grape is characterized by the following (distinguishing characteristics between it and Viognier are bold):

  • Moderate to large size leaves, with a slightly corrugated surface
  • 5 lobed with deep stem sinuses, generally open
  • Deep lateral sinuses
  • Terminal lobe quite detached
  • Top side of leaf gray-green and hairless, underside paler green and slightly fuzzy, with tufts of hairs on the ribs and filaments
  • Large "teeth" along the leaf edge are obtuse and fairly long
  • Bunches are regular and tight, and moderate to small-sized. Cylindical or conical-cylindical in shape.
  • Moderate to small size grapes with firm skins
  • Grape colors of white-gold, taking on slight pinkish-gold tinge upon sun exposure.
  • Taste sweet, juicy, and firm, with tastes of honey and melon
  

The Viognier grape is characterized by the following (distinguishing characteristics between it and Roussanne are bold):

  • Moderate-sized leaves equally high as wide
  • 3 or 5 lobes, sometimes without sinuses between
  • Stem sinuses U-shaped
  • Short, sharp, densely-serrated leaf edges
  • Thin, parchment-like leaf, with a pale yellow-green and hairless face, and paler with a light fuzz on the underside ribs. Leaf becomes straw-yellow in autumn before falling.
  • Moderate-sized, tight, cylindrical bunches with one or two identifiable wings
  • Individual grapes are moderate to small, round with a fairly thick skin, which become yellow-gold at maturity when exposed to the sun.
  • Juicy and very sweet with fine apricot and peach flavor.

Roussanne at Tablas Creek

Roussanne is the linchpin of our Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc. It is the highest percentage varietal in the Esprit Blanc, making up between 45% to 70% of the white blend each year. In addition, it makes a tremendous single varietal wine, as in our varietal Roussanne that debuted in 2002. At the vineyard, we have 16 acres planted, representing over half of the acreage of planted white varieties. Roussanne cuttings are available from the Tablas Creek Nursery.

More Information

Sources

  • “A Case of Mistaken Identity” (Catherine Fallis, San Francisco Examiner, 9/6/00)
  • Descriptions of Roussanne and Viognier are translated from Ampelographie, Masson & Cie, Editors. Paris: Librarie de L’Academie de Medecine, 1909.
Upcoming Events

Celebrate Paso Robles Wine Festival with Tablas Creek

Join us for the Paso Robles Wine Community's biggest celebration! We'll pour Esprit de Beaucastel at Friday's Reserve Event and a range of new releases at Saturday's Grand Tasting. And all weekend we'll have special wines open at the winery and will be taking tours to visit our herd of sheep, alpacas and donkeys. Sunday 11am to 1:30pm enjoy Chef Jacob Lovejoy's small plates, free with a tasting. Details & more events »

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