Marsanne The main grape of Hermitage and St-Joseph in the northern Rhone, and of both still and sparkling St-Péray, Marsanne makes big, full-bodied whites, high in alcohol and fruity when young. Their flavour goes well with oak. The best are heavy, peachy and toasty, the worst fat and flat. Australia has larger plantations of Marsanne than France. Australian Marsanne grapes (and modern, southern French vins de pays) are usually picked earlier, and can make crisper wines. French Marsanne is sometimes perked up by blending with the more scented, livelier local Roussanne. Circuit City - Art Materials - Free Shipping, Dom Perignon Champagne