Marselan

Marselan is a cross between Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grape was first developed in the 1960’s as part of a project to create high yielding grape varieties with large berries. Marselan was shelved because its berries were very small. However, it had natural disease resistance and was “rediscovered’ in the 1990’s by quality-minded producers in Southern France.

It was added to the national French register of grapes in the 1990’s and is primarily used in blends in Bordeaux and the South.

Wines made from Marselan are medium-bodied with fine tannins, good color, and characteristics of cherry and cassis. It also has a lot of desirable qualities as a base variety for blending due to its polyphenol, anthocyanin and tannin potential.