Marselan Grape variety guide: history, French regions, taste & food pairing
Marselan is a modern French red grape, a cross of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, that combines Bordeaux structure with Mediterranean generosity. It is increasingly popular in the south of France and around the world.
Learn more about Marselan
History & origins
Marselan was created in 1961 by researcher Paul Truel at INRA near Montpellier and named after the coastal town of Marseillan. It was originally bred for high yields of large berries, but produced small berries instead, so it was set aside. Its quality and disease resistance were rediscovered in the 1990s, and it is now a climate-adaptation variety in Bordeaux and a star in China.
French regions & appellations
IGP Pays d'Oc and other Languedoc IGPs, Côtes du Rhône AOC (as a minor blending grape), Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur (since 2021) and Vin de France.
Taste profile
Deep purple and medium to full-bodied, with blackcurrant, black cherry, raspberry, violet, mint, Provençal herbs and soft, silky tannins.
Food pairing
Grilled steak, burgers, lamb kebabs, duck, mushroom pasta, barbecue ribs, ratatouille and semi-hard cheeses.