Petit Manseng

Petit Manseng is a white wine grape variety that is grown primarily in South West France. The grape is known for producing high quality dessert wines that have a rich, exotic character.

History

Petit Manseng is believed to have originated in the Jurançon region of France, where it has been grown for centuries. The grape is often associated with the historical figure King Henry IV, as it is said that his mother, Queen Jeanne d'Albret, had the lips of her son rubbed with Jurançon wine, a wine made from Petit Manseng, at his christening.

Viticulture

Petit Manseng is a hardy grape variety that is resistant to many diseases. It thrives in the warm, dry climate of South West France, where it is able to ripen fully and develop its characteristic rich, exotic flavors. The grape is typically harvested late in the season, which allows it to develop high sugar levels and a high natural acidity. This makes it ideal for the production of sweet dessert wines.

Wine production

The wines produced from Petit Manseng are typically rich and full-bodied, with a high level of natural acidity. They often have flavors of tropical fruit, honey, and spice, and can age well, developing complex flavors over time. In addition to dessert wines, Petit Manseng is also used to produce dry white wines in some regions.

Regions

While Petit Manseng is most closely associated with the Jurançon region, it is also grown in other parts of France, including the Béarn and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh appellations. Outside of France, Petit Manseng has found success in regions such as Virginia, Australia, and Uruguay, where it is used to produce both sweet and dry white wines.

Food pairing

Petit Manseng wines, with their rich, exotic flavors and high acidity, pair well with a variety of foods. They are particularly well-suited to dishes with strong flavors, such as spicy Asian cuisine, rich cheeses, and foie gras.

See also

• List of grape varieties
• French wine
• Dessert wine