Marsanne, the white wine variety that’s the backbone of the Rhône appellation of Hermitage, needs exacting conditions to produce wines of quality that carry the potential to age and develop well. When young, Marsanne is a rich white with a palate full of nutty, spicy melons, pears and apples. The aromas can range from luscious honeydew to tight but fleshy citrus, when older, the colour of Marsanne can deepen dramatically, while the palate will develop an oily texture with layers of honey through the primary characters. A versatile food partner, Marsanne works well with asparagus, antipasto, white meat and fish.