Grape Variety
Manseng-Blanc
"puh-TEE mahn-SENG"
Wine Styles
Sparkling
Light White
Full White
Aromatic
Rosé
Light Red
Medium Red
Full Red
DessertAbout Manseng-Blanc
Origin
Southwest France
History
Petit Manseng is a white wine grape variety that is grown primarily in South West France. It produces the highest quality wine of any grape in the Manseng family. The name is derived from its small, thick-skinned berries. Coupled with the small yields of the grapevine, most Petit Manseng farmers produce around 15 hl of wine per hectare. The grape is often left on the vine till December to produce a late harvest dessert wine. It can develop high sugar levels while maintaining acidity, so it is usually incorporated into sweet wines of Jurançon and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh.
Appearance
Small, thick-skinned berries with a golden-yellow hue when ripe.
Growing Traits
Petit Manseng is a vigorous grape variety, and to limit both its productivity and the risks linked to excess humidity – Béarn is a region with abundant rainfall – it is trained in high, relatively long vine stocks (called Hautains - meaning 'haughty' in French - because they reach 1.70 meters in height). This type of vine training also helps to minimize the risk of freezing during budding. Petit Manseng's production is generally low, due to the small size of its grape bunches.
Wine Characteristics
Body
3/5
Sweetness
3/5
Tannin
0/5
Acidity
4/5
Alcohol
3/5
Medium-bodied with a rich and opulent texture, offering both freshness and complexity. Often vinified as a sweet wine due to its high sugar accumulation, but also produced in dry styles. Negligible tannins, as it is a white grape variety, resulting in a smooth finish. High acidity, providing balance to its sweetness and contributing to its aging potential. Moderate to high alcohol content, generally around 13-14%, contributing to its richness.
Taste Profile
Apricot
Mango
Honey
Spice
Citrus zest
Petit Manseng wines are characterized by intense aromas of apricot and mango, often accompanied by honeyed notes and a hint of spice. On the palate, they exhibit a balance between sweetness and high acidity, with flavors of tropical fruits and citrus zest, leading to a long, refreshing finish.
Food Pairing
Petit Manseng's high acidity and rich texture make it a versatile companion for various dishes. Sweet versions pair well with foie gras, blue cheeses, and fruit-based desserts, while dry styles complement seafood, spicy Asian cuisine, and dishes with creamy sauces.
Growing Regions
France
JurançonPacherenc du Vic-BilhSouthwest France
United States
Virginia
Notable Wines & Producers
Jurançon Moelleux
Domaine Cauhapé
Domaine Bru-Baché
Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh
Château Montus
Domaine Berthoumieu
Petit Manseng (Virginia)
Chrysalis Vineyards
Veritas Vineyard & Winery
Manseng-Blanc FAQ
Common questions about this grape variety
What is the origin of Manseng-Blanc?
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Southwest France
Is Manseng-Blanc wine full bodied?
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Manseng-Blanc has a body level of 3 out of 5. Which means that Manseng-Blanc is Moderate bodied.
Is Manseng-Blanc wine dry or sweet?
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Manseng-Blanc has a dryness level of 3 out of 5. Which means that Manseng-Blanc is Semi-Sweet.
Where is Manseng-Blanc wine from?
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Southwest France
Where is Manseng-Blanc grown?
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Manseng-Blanc is grown in France (Jurançon, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, Southwest France)United States (Virginia).
What is Manseng-Blanc like?
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Petit Manseng wines are characterized by intense aromas of apricot and mango, often accompanied by honeyed notes and a hint of spice. On the palate, they exhibit a balance between sweetness and high acidity, with flavors of tropical fruits and citrus zest, leading to a long, refreshing finish.
What does Manseng-Blanc pair with?
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Petit Manseng's high acidity and rich texture make it a versatile companion for various dishes. Sweet versions pair well with foie gras, blue cheeses, and fruit-based desserts, while dry styles complement seafood, spicy Asian cuisine, and dishes with creamy sauces.
What does Manseng-Blanc taste like?
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Petit Manseng wines are characterized by intense aromas of apricot and mango, often accompanied by honeyed notes and a hint of spice. On the palate, they exhibit a balance between sweetness and high acidity, with flavors of tropical fruits and citrus zest, leading to a long, refreshing finish.
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