Roussanne
Roussanne is a white grape mostly found in France’s Rhône Valley. Wines from Roussanne tend to be medium to full-bodied with a good bit of weight, but not too heavy. The flavour is fresh and often leans towards ripe apple, pear, and sometimes a touch of herbal or nutty character.
Acidity can vary but it usually sits in the middle—not zingy, not flat. Expect a smooth texture. Roussanne shows up solo or blended with Marsanne, and it’s often used to make whites that can age well. If you like a richer style of white with some subtle complexity, this one’s worth a go.
Marsanne
Marsanne is a white grape mostly grown in France but shows up in Australia too. Wines made from it are usually medium to full-bodied, with low to medium acidity, so they feel pretty smooth and round in your mouth. Expect flavours like ripe pear, melon, and sometimes a bit of nuttiness or honey, especially as the wine ages.
It’s rarely super zippy or fresh—more mellow and rich. Marsanne is often blended with Roussanne or Viognier, but you’ll also find it solo in Rhône whites and Aussie styles. Great with roast chicken or creamy dishes.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc is a white grape that makes full-bodied, easy-going wines. Expect flavours like green apple, pear, and sometimes a hint of herbs or citrus. It’s not super crisp—acidity is on the softer side—so it feels smooth and a bit round in your mouth.
You’ll often find it blended with other grapes in southern France and Spain, but it’s tasty enough on its own too. Great with food, especially if you’re into fish, chicken, or veggie dishes. Nothing too complicated—just a straightforward, friendly white.
Bourboulenc
Bourboulenc is a white grape from southern France, often used in blends. It makes light, easy-going wines with crisp acidity and subtle flavours—think citrus, mild herbs, sometimes a touch of smoke. It doesn’t have loads of body, so don’t expect anything rich or creamy. You’ll mostly find it in white Côtes du Rhône or Provence blends, rarely on its own. Good pick if you like fresh, straightforward whites.
Maccabeu
Maccabeu (also called Macabeo) is a white grape mostly found in Spain and southern France. Wines made from Maccabeu are usually light-bodied with mellow flavours—think apple, pear, and a bit of lemon, nothing too extreme. Acidity sits around medium, so it’s fresh enough without being sharp.
You’ll most often find it in white blends or in Cava, Spain’s answer to sparkling wine. On its own, it’s easy-going and clean—not too heavy, not too rich. Great for when you just want something straightforward with your seafood or salad.
