Grape Variety
Petit-Manseng
"puh-TEE mahn-SENG"
Wine Styles
Sparkling
Light White
Full White
Aromatic
Rosé
Light Red
Medium Red
Full Red
DessertAbout Petit-Manseng
Origin
South West 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 until 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.
Growing Traits
Petit Manseng is a vigorous grape variety, and to limit both its productivity and the risks linked to excess humidity, it is trained in high, relatively long vine stocks (called Hautains) that 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
1/5
Tannin
1/5
Acidity
4/5
Alcohol
3/5
Medium to full-bodied with a rich and structured profile, offering both freshness and complexity. Typically vinified dry, though it can exhibit ripe fruit characteristics. As a white grape variety, Petit Manseng has negligible tannin levels, resulting in a smooth mouthfeel. High acidity, providing vibrancy and enhancing its food-pairing versatility. Moderate to high alcohol content, generally around 12-14%, contributing to its robust character.
Taste Profile
Apricot
Peach
Honey
Spice
Citrus zest
Petit Manseng wines are characterized by rich aromas of apricot and peach, with hints of honey, spice, and citrus zest. On the palate, they are full-bodied with high acidity, offering a balanced sweetness and a lingering finish.
Food Pairing
Petit Manseng's high acidity and rich flavor profile make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with foie gras, blue cheeses, and fruit-based desserts. Its sweetness complements spicy Asian cuisine and rich pâtés.
Growing Regions
France
JurançonPacherenc du Vic-Bilh
United States
Virginia
Notable Wines & Producers
Jurançon Moelleux
Domaine Cauhapé
Clos Lapeyre
Domaine de Souch
Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh
Château Laffitte-Teston
Domaine Berthoumieu
Petit-Manseng FAQ
Common questions about this grape variety
What is the origin of Petit-Manseng?
+
South West France
Is Petit-Manseng wine full bodied?
+
Petit-Manseng has a body level of 3 out of 5. Which means that Petit-Manseng is Moderate bodied.
Is Petit-Manseng wine dry or sweet?
+
Petit-Manseng has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Petit-Manseng is Dry.
Where is Petit-Manseng wine from?
+
South West France
Where is Petit-Manseng grown?
+
Petit-Manseng is grown in France (Jurançon, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh)United States (Virginia).
What is Petit-Manseng like?
+
Petit Manseng wines are characterized by rich aromas of apricot and peach, with hints of honey, spice, and citrus zest. On the palate, they are full-bodied with high acidity, offering a balanced sweetness and a lingering finish.
What does Petit-Manseng pair with?
+
Petit Manseng's high acidity and rich flavor profile make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with foie gras, blue cheeses, and fruit-based desserts. Its sweetness complements spicy Asian cuisine and rich pâtés.
What does Petit-Manseng taste like?
+
Petit Manseng wines are characterized by rich aromas of apricot and peach, with hints of honey, spice, and citrus zest. On the palate, they are full-bodied with high acidity, offering a balanced sweetness and a lingering finish.
Take Petit-Manseng Knowledge with You
Access detailed grape profiles, tasting notes, and pairing suggestions on your iPhone.
Download on theApp Store