Wine using the grape Marselan, either on its own or as part of a blend, is now made in more than 20 nations! Here are a few. I plan to include more examples, more details (especially about regions) and more photos.
Argentina | Azerbaijan | Bolivia | Brazil | Bulgaria | Canada | Chile | China | Croatia | France | Israel | Lebanon | Montenegro | Morocco | Romania | Russia | Serbia | Spain | Switzerland | Tunisia | Turkey | United States | Uruguay
ARGENTINA
Familia Zuccardi ‘Textual’
“Elegant, subtle and complex are words that describe the profile of this wine.” More
AZERBAIJAN
Aspi ‘Salvani’ Marselan (50%)-Syrah (50%)
Produced in Savalan Valley in the northeast. “Very soft tannins balanced with a nose of red berries and light spices.” More
BOLIVIA
Gran Patrono ‘Premium Reserve’ Marselan
“Planted [in 2006 in] at 2,000 meters above sea level, in the central valley of Tarija; and… at 2,400 [meters] in the Valley of the Cintis. [Marselan] is a very complex and full-bodied wine, but balanced and aromatic at the same time. It is rich in light and harmonious tannins. It evokes aromas of blackcurrant, raspberry, ripe fruit, cocoa, plums, raisins, smoky notes, notes of pepper, spices and licorice.” More.
BRAZIL
Dom Bernardo
“Intense ruby red coloration. Predominant aromas of red fruits, cocoa and spices. Perfect balance between acidity and alcohol. Tannins round and soft.” More
Salton ‘Intenso’ Marsellan-Teroldego
“Vibrant burgundy color. Expresses aromas of black and red fruits such as raspberry, strawberry and cherry, and hints of spice, mint and violets. Its flavor is robust, with pleasant acidity and refined finish.”
Casa Perini
It presents ruby red colouration and complex aromas that remind raspberry, cocoa and apricot. It has a velvety texture and a fresh sensation to the taste in the end. More
Casa Perini ‘Arbo’
“This wine presents ruby red colouration and black fruits aromas, such as jaboticaba and wild fruits. Good structure and softness to the taste.” More
Casa Valduga ‘Identidade’
“[2014] … red fruits like cherries and blackberries, in balance with the aromas from the oak, such as leather and spices. …tannins that contribute volume and softness…. Its great persistence in mouth reveals, above all, the notes of French oak, especially smoked touches.” More
Cave de Pedra ‘Adaga’
“Spice aromas, such as cloves, a touch of smoke, and a soft intense fruitiness. The palate is structured, tasty and enduring.” More
BULGARIA
Burgozone Marselan
“Intensive red color with garnet nuances. The aroma of small forest fruits is dominated by blackberry, ripe mulberry and juicy plums. It combines subtle mineral touches, vanilla and smoke. The taste shows tight tannins, moderate acidity and juicy finish. Sour cherry and chocolate characterize the aftertaste.” More
Boyar “Rue Romance’ Rose Marselan
“Fruity, captivating purity with hints of red fruits—cherry, strawberry, English candy and caramel.” More
Ivo Varbanov ‘Allegro Barbaro’
“A 100% Marselan, aged for 30 months in French and Bulgarian 225-litre and 500-litre oak barrels. We applied minimum fining and filtration to preserve the natural texture of the wine.” More
Ivo Varbanov ‘Arlequin Late Harvest’
“Treated as a dessert red wine. Aged for 30 months in one French 225-litre barrel and one Bulgarian 500-litre oak barrels.” More
CANADA
Montakarn
“The [2013] begins with aromas of black currant and blackberry, with a hint of cherry. On the palate, the cherry flavours dominate with a note of chocolate on the finish. The tannins are ripe but firm.” More
CHILE
Dogma ‘Reserve’ Marselan (60%)-Carmenere (40%)
“Dark violet red, intense and bright. Aroma of strawberry jam, cassis and pepper species. It is a wine with very ripe fruit flavor, lots of jam with notes of black pepper. Mocha and some cocoa appear. Good structure, medium-high tannic intensity, broad in the middle palate, and good final development.” More
Tringario ‘Ludópata’
“[2016] The nose smells ripe red fruits, such as currants and raspberries. The mouth has sweet spices and firm tannins.” More
CHINA
[Note: I’ve tried many Chinese Marselans and will expand this area and include my own notes soon.]
Amethyard
“[2014] Dark raisin, prunes and dry cranberry comes to the fore, then it starts to mingle with nutmeg, cinnamon and spices. Well-judged tannins with a hint of smoke near the finish. This is a rich Marselan with plenty of depth and character.” Amethyst makes two levels of Marselan. More
Domaine Franco-Chinois ‘Reserve’
Just north of Beijing, this project started as Sino-French Demonstration Vineyard and was the first place in China to feature Marselan. Planted in 2001.
Excelsis
This operation in Shandong Province first used vineyards planted in 2007 and 2009. It now also sources grapes from several sites in Hebei, with the winemaker Tong Lili studying the impact of different terroirs on Marselan.
Grace Vineyard ‘Tasya’s Reserve’
“[2012] Vibrant red fruits with a great deal of juiciness and a lick of earthy mushrooms. The oak provides the wines with persistence and balance, which will continue to develop… 30% new French oak barrels, 70 % first-use barrels.” The 2015 won one of 15 “best in show” honors at the Decanter Asia Wine Awards in 2017. More
Pu Shang (蒲尚)
“2014 is made from 90% Marselan and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is aged in oak, 30% American and 70% second-use barrels, for 12 months. They make 40,000 bottles and have 16 acres. …the wine had black and red fruit, pepper, juicy tannins, minerality and a rich, full finish.” More.
Skyline / Tiansai
Hails from the far west region of Xinjiang.
Treaty Port ‘Commissioner’
“[A] blend of Marselan and Merlot. Delicate nose of blackberry, blueberry and red cherry. Soft palate with balanced fruit and crispiness; touch of black pepper on the finish. Short but fresh mouth.” More.
CROATIA
Bura ‘Galeria’ Marselan-Plavac Mali-Cabernet Sauvignon
From Pelješac Peninsula, Dalmatian Coast. “Aromas of plum, red currant and blackberry are followed by herbaceous notes of fennel and thyme. Mouth-watering acidity, sweet tannins and thickened, earthy fruitiness create an expressive, terroir-driven and balanced wine.” More
FRANCE
Pujol Izard
“Complex wine, colorful, very fragrant, with subtle and harmonious tannins. Balanced, round and also long in the mouth. A wine that can be enjoyed young.” More
Enseduna
“[2016] deeply flavoured wine had ripe flavours of blackcurrant and strawberry with notes of chocolate and spice. More
Bis by Biscaye
Domaine de Couron
“[The 2006] is first rate, with brilliant black fruit and a pure, unfettered expression.” More
Domaine Devereux
“The first [single variety Marselan] I’d ever seen (a gift from a friend from France), and it was pretty good.” More
Château Camplazens
“2006 is widely available and delicious, if a little too polished.” More
Domaine de la Mordorée
“2007 Re:NAISSANCE, which was fifty-fifty Merlot and Marselan…. The soft-core luxury of Merlot gave the Marselan a velvety richness that prompted me to buy another bottle. I would’ve bought a case of this one….” More
Le Divin ‘Réserve’
“Dark cherry red with violet reflections; nose reminiscent of blackberries, blueberry jam, garrigue, lavender, subtle notes of vanilla; powerful, spicy cherry fruit, velvety tannins, delicacy and finesse, rich with beautiful length and depth, melts on the tongue!” More
Domaine du Tariquet Rose
“….notes of ripe red fruits associated with a slightly spicy character.” More
Calmel & Joseph ‘Villa Blanche’
“[2013] Deep, dark ruby robe with inky-black hints. Black fruit on the nose, with delightful notes of blackberry, black currant and fig. Intense and full-bodied, with silky tannins, ending with a touch of bigarreau cherries in alcohol.” More
Domaine Pierre-Belle
“Deep, very mature colouring. Rich and fruity nose of cherry and plum. Full and rich on the palate with candied peel and spicy notes. Tannins are well-integrated.” More
Domaine Villepeyroux Forest
“Its intense and deep purple robe presents a mix of powerful red and stewed fruit aromas. The concentrated and sophisticated lingering flavour is a great balance between acidity, intensity and tannin.” More
Rosemary Lane
“[2016] … this micro-négociant specializes in classic Southern French grapes such as Carignan and Marselan… The wine is dark purple-colored, with a nose of black fruit, hints of cocoa, cedar, and herbs de Provence. On the palate, the wine is very juicy, with nice, balancing, acidity and very soft silky tannins. Since the tannins are so soft, almost non-existent, this an ideal quaffing wine, that can even be served with a slight chill in the summer.” More
ISRAEL
Jerusalem ‘Gershtain’
“[2014] Ten months of aging in French oak barrels, awarded this wine generous flavours of cherry, berry and vanilla with a hint of tobacco. The wine boasts a balanced body and an enjoyable finish.” More
Binyamina
“… richly aromatic and characterized by fragrances, fresh flowers and a lot of dark fruit. When tasted, the same compressed, dark fruit dominates again, with medium, chewable tannins.” More
Recanati ‘Reserve’
“Marselan is a cross between the “wild” Grenache and the “aristocratic and elegant” Cabernet Sauvignon… The wine has an inimitable flowery aroma, round tannins, and tastes of berries and Mediterranean herbs.” More.
Teperberg ‘Inspire: Devotage’ Malbec-Marselan
60 percent Malbec and 40 percent Marselan, with the latter from Ayalon Valley. More.
Barkan ‘Special Reserve’
Fruit from the Judean slopes. More.
LEBANON
Chateau Kefraya ‘Les Coteaux’ Marselan-Syrah-Cabernet France
Made in West Bekaa Valley, at 1000 meters, near Mount Barouk. “With its slight hint of oak, it has the fruit and freshness to be appreciated upon release or after a few years of aging. … reveals an intense nose of roasted coffee and vanilla. The wine is rich and smooth on the palate, with harmonious spicy notes of black cherry.” More.
MONTENEGRO
“[2010] An exquisite wine with a raspberry, blackcurrant and boiled fruit aroma.” More
Winery Mašanović ‘Dionis’ Marselan-Vranac-Petit Verdot
“[2014] Tastes like toasted oak, fruit and cranberry.”
MOROCCO
Ouled Thaleb ‘Signature’ Marselan (50%), Petit Verdot (35%), Carmenere (15%)
“This special cuvée, created by winemaker Stéphane Mariot, originates from 25 year old vines at 300ft altitude, on the Atlantic coast… Intense aromas of dark fruit and chocolate mixed with floral notes. The same notes translate to the palate. Velvety tannins and a juicy, lingering finish.” More
La Zouina ‘Volubilia’ Rose
“Volubilia Gris (or Rosé) is made with Caladoc and Marselan grapes. The nose is intriguing, fresh, zesty with mineral notes. The palate is rounded, light and delicate, fennel, herbal notes and citrus fruit are underpinned by a grippy, mineral acidity.” More
ROMANIA
Domeniul Coroanei ‘Vardo: Power of Will’ Marselan (30%)-Cabernet Franc (70%)
“[2011] a fresh, vigorous mostly masculine wine, with a lengthy speech, in which grapes defining different historical wine regions collaborate and each of them dominates in turn the aromatic character. Dense and layered, intense and lively, with a glyceric character resulting in sweet sensations, this wine is complex on the nose and on the palate and it becomes more expressive when aerated.” More
Domeniul Coroanei ‘Minima Moralia: Respect’ Marselan (70%)-Cabernet Sauvignon (30%)
“[2009] unveils depth and complexity, starting from the mature flavours of rhum and coconut, developing into notes of red forest fruit, green nuts, freshly roasted hazelnuts and spices. The taste… red fruit on the forefront but with a range of background notes which bring fine touches—cocoa, spices, dry fruit, strawberry comfiture and well-ripened raspberry. Extremely long and pleasant aftertaste, dominated by freshness.” More
RUSSIA
Usadba Divnomorskoe
“The flavor is dominated by the nuanced forest violets, blueberries, blackberries and cocoa. This wine is bright, intense and round, with soft but palpable tannins.” More
Praskoveya ‘Chateau Saint Martin De La Garrigue’ Semi-Sweet Marselan, Alicante, Cabernet Sauvignon
“Wine possesses saturated aroma with notes of blackcurrant and the balanced taste.”
Praskoveya ‘Reserve Chateau Saint Martin De La Garrigue’ Semi-Sweet Marselan, Alicante and Cabernet Sauvignon
“Possesses the saturated color and bright aroma with shades of spicy herbs. Taste: full, harmonious with soft tannins.”
Praskoveya ‘Chateau Saint Martin De La Garrigue’ Semi-Sweet Marselan, Alicante and Cabernet Sauvignon
“Wine possesses pronounced aroma, velvety taste and long aftertaste.”
SERBIA
Virtus
“… intense, ruby red colour, it is fruity with aromas of ripe blackberries, sour cherries, tobacco and dark chocolate, with addition of black wild berry jam and a hint of oak. The wine is very extractive, complex and elegant with well balanced velvety tannins.” More
Virtus
“… intense, ruby red colour, it is fruity with aromas of ripe blackberries, sour cherries, tobacco and dark chocolate, with addition of black wild berries jam and a hint of oak. The wine is very extractive, complex and elegant with well balanced velvety tannins. More
SPAIN
Foresta
“[2013] Dark, ripe boysenberry purple and inky with a dark ruby crest. Dark fruits in the nose with mineral notes of graphite as well as tar. Fresh fruit aspect overall with good lift. Mix of red and black fruits in the medium body that gives a full palate sense, broad acidity and a very long finish. Some ways has the aromatic density of a hot vintage of Carignan but the freshness of cold climate Malbec.” More
La Vinyeta ‘Mig Mig’ Marsellan (50%)-Grey Grenache (50%)
Mig Mig means ‘fifty-fifty’ in Catalan. “… initially earthy and acidic burst in the nose. This carries in the body as well, but that quickly develops a spicy character. After just a few minutes, the nose changes as well to pick up exotic cardamom and white pepper elements.” More
Los Frailes ‘Moma’ Monastrell 50%, Marselan 50%
The result is an interesting, complex, lighter bodied wine with a somewhat Bordelaise aroma profile, currants, herbal, graphite. More
Pedradura Marselan-Petit Verdot
“Deep garnet red. Red-berry fruits with hints of the aromatic herbs of the Massif. It expresses the aromatic and mineral quality of this pure, chalky and arid landscape. It is deep and round with a long finish on the palate.” More
SWITZERLAND
Settemaggio
Made in Sopraceneri, a single variety barrel-aged wine, with 13% alcohol. More
Domaine Dugerdil
Powerful black fruit. Spicy and smoky notes. Full details here.
TUNISIA
Carthage ‘Mornag’ More
TURKEY
Lucien Arkas Baglari ‘Mon Rêve’ Marselan. More.
Mozaik ‘Mahrem’
Made outside Urla by the Aegean Sea, the 2012 vintage won a silver medal at Frankfurt International Wine Trophy. More
UNITED STATES
Jerome
“[2013] A complex and deep red wine with an abundance of supple, yet harmonious tannin. Flavors of ripe black cherries and impish hints of spice.” More
URUGUAY
Bodega J Chiappella ‘Reserve’
“Marsellan was planted in 2000 and produced commercially from 2004. “It is a special variety since it always produces wines with very soft but present tannins.” Tasting notes for 2009 include descriptions such as intense violet, red fruit, chocolate, smoke and spice.” More
Bodega Garzón ‘Reserva’
“[2015] reveals a wild blackberry, black cherry and black plum nose lifted with a flush of bright acidity and framed by a house of thorny, youthful tannins. There is a lick of eucalyptus that flirts throughout to a drying finish. Rustically framed, but elegantly presented….” More
Establecimiento Juanico ‘Bodegones’
“On the nose it shows notes of red berries, mint and eucalyptus. On the palate is velvety initially, intensifies mid-palate and leads to a long finish.” More
Establecimiento Juanico ‘Don Pascual Reserve’
“[2012] Deep red colour. Notes of red berries, mint and eucalyptus. Velvety initially, intensifies mid-palate and leads to a long finish.” More.
Família Traversa Marcelan-Tannat (Paso Cuello, Canelones)
“Featuring a beautiful ruby-red color, this red delights our nose with its notes of red fruits, which include cocoa nuances and a slight touch of toast.” More.
Know of some Marselan wines? Let me know! Email Jim Boyce via jimboyce (at) worldmarselanday.com.