Like its conventional blending parter Marsanne, Roussane is most frequently associated with the northern Rhone Valley. With Marsanne, it is the only white variety grown in the AOCs of St. Joseph, Hermitage, and Crozes-Hermitage. Of all the white varieties, Roussanne may the most difficult to grow for quality. Not only are yields irregular, but the grape is also especially sensitive to mildew, rot, wind, and drought. At its best, Roussanne is wonderfully aromatic with flowery, citrus-like notes, as well as hints of herbal tea. Efforts have been made to cultivate the variety elsewhere in the last 15 years, most notably in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties of California. Still, cultivation has been in decline in the Northern Rhone, a result of the substantial challenges in growing the grape.