Grape variety : Marselan

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Marselan: Origins and Unique Characteristics of This Grape Variety

Marselan, a red grape variety resulting from a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache Noir, is celebrated for its balance of power and finesse. It produces structured and aromatic red wines. Discover the history, terroirs, aromatic profile, and best food pairings to fully appreciate this unique grape variety.

Marselan at a glance

Color: red grape
Origin: A cabernet sauvignon × grenache noir cross bred by INRA in 1961 at Marseillan, in the Hérault
Regions: Languedoc and the Rhône Valley, mostly IGP Pays d'Oc; a minor variety in Côtes du Rhône and Languedoc AOCs
Profile: supple and fruity yet structured and elegant, with fine, silky tannins and a long, spicy finish
Serving temperature: 16 to 18 °C for the reds
Cellaring: supple, fruity reds that drink well young; the more structured cuvées can be kept for a few years

Description and Origins of Marselan

Created in 1961 by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) in Marseillan, Hérault, Marselan is the result of a cross between two iconic grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache Noir. The goal was to combine the structure and elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon with the fruity and warm character of Grenache. Initially used in blends, Marselan is now gaining recognition as a standalone variety due to its ability to produce elegant and complex wines.

Key Terroirs Where Marselan is Grown

Marselan is primarily grown in southern France, particularly in the Languedoc and Rhône regions, where it thrives in the Mediterranean climate. It is found in appellations such as AOC Languedoc and AOC Côtes du Rhône, as well as in numerous IGPs, including Pays d’Oc and Méditerranée. Thanks to its natural resistance to diseases and adaptability to warm climates, Marselan is also cultivated in other French and international wine regions.

Aromatic Characteristics of Marselan

Characteristics of Marselan in Red Wine:

Appearance: Marselan wines feature an intense purple color with garnet-red highlights.

Nose: The nose reveals complex aromas of black fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant), black cherry, spices (pepper, licorice), and floral notes (violet).

Palate: Structured and elegant, with fine, silky tannins. It offers a long finish with fruity and spicy notes.

Best Food Pairings with Marselan

Here are some pairing ideas to complement a bottle of red wine made from Marselan:

Duck confit Parmentier (IGP Pays d’Oc Rouge)
Spiced duck breast (AOC Côtes du Rhône Rouge)
Vegetable couscous with merguez sausages (IGP Méditerranée Rouge)
Wild boar stew (AOC Languedoc Rouge)

Marselan is a modern grape variety that perfectly embodies the blend of innovation and traditional viticulture. Whether enjoyed as a standalone wine or in a blend, it captivates with its rich aromatic profile and smooth texture. Explore our selection of red wines made from Marselan, sourced directly from the estate or château of your choice, and discover the charm of this still relatively unknown grape variety!

Marselan, a modern cross for southern France

Marselan is one of the grape varieties bred in France in the twentieth century rather than inherited from an old vineyard. Obtained in 1961 by crossing Cabernet Sauvignon with Grenache, it keeps the structure and elegance of the first alongside the warm, generous fruit of the second. Because few appellations list it by name, Marselan is most often bottled as an IGP varietal, above all IGP Pays d’Oc, or added to a blend, where it brings deep color and supple fruit. You will find it right across the Mediterranean south, from Languedoc-Roussillon wine to the Rhône Valley wine, including Côtes du Rhône wine.

Serving and keeping Marselan

Marselan gives deeply colored, supple and fruity red wines that are best served at 16 to 18 °C, warm enough to open up their aromas of black fruit and spice while keeping the fine, silky tannins in balance. Their suppleness and fruit make them very enjoyable young, while the more structured cuvées, with their long, spicy finish, can be kept for a few years.

Frequently asked questions about Marselan

What is Marselan?

Marselan is a red French grape variety created in 1961 by INRA from a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache Noir. It combines the structure and elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon with the warm, fruity character of Grenache, producing deeply colored, supple reds.

Where is Marselan grown?

Marselan is grown mainly in southern France, especially in the Languedoc and the Rhône Valley, where it thrives in the Mediterranean climate. It is most often bottled as an IGP wine, above all IGP Pays d’Oc, and also appears in AOC Languedoc and AOC Côtes du Rhône.

What does Marselan wine taste like?

Marselan reds are deeply colored, supple and fruity, with aromas of black fruits, black cherry, pepper and violet. The palate is structured and elegant, with fine, silky tannins and a long finish on fruity and spicy notes.

At what temperature should you serve Marselan?

Marselan reds are best served at 16 to 18 °C. This range is warm enough to release their black-fruit and spice aromas while keeping the supple, silky tannins in balance.