New French Varietal For US Market

Filed in archive French Wines on August 20, 2007

If you're bored with some of the wines on the market (though I find that nearly impossible!), or are just looking to try something completely new, you're in luck (as long as you like French wine). Wines made from the Marselan grape have been approved for import into the United States and we can expect to see bottles on store shelves soon. Certain states are already selling it. Sadly, nothing came up in my immediate area.

Marselan was bred in 1961 by French researchers who wanted a grape with the color, heat-tolerance, and heartiness of Grenache and the "finesse" of Cabernet Sauvignon. It's named for the village of Marseillan, on the Mediterranean coast where it was first grown.

From Wine Spectator:

As for its flavor, "It's not what most Americans expect from Cab. Most people have experienced California Cab as being fruit, herb and oak," said Mulan Chan, French wine buyer for San Francisco retailer K&L Wine Merchants, which sells Marselan. "But this has no wood. It's a medium- rather than a full-bodied wine."

Four French producers are currently making wine from Marselan and california wineries are showing an interest as well. One nursery has sold about 5,000 cuttings to growers, primarily in California's North Coast.

I read that Marselan is sometimes blended with Rhône variatals and rosé wines. I'm eager for a taste