The Marsanne grape is helping, along with Viognier and Roussanne, to increase the visibility and popularity of "Rhône-style" wines in California. This grape's varietal character has little tolerance for weather that is either too cool or too warm and bland, simply vinous wine will result. The round, medium-gold to amber Marsanne berries make deep-colored wine that is also fairly full-bodied, sometimes described as almost "waxy". Where growing conditions are right, Marsanne aromas can suggest almond paste or citrus, mixed with perfume or model airplane cement. Low aciditiy means Marsanne wine is best consumed young.

Marsanne produces deeply colored wines that are rich and nutty, with hints of spice and pear. The wines can be high in alcohol and normally have very distinctive aromas. They can be oak aged to develop more body. As Marsanne ages, the wine take on an even darker color and the flavors can become more complex and concentrated with an oily, honeyed texture. Aromas of nuts and quince can also develop.