Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng, a prominent white grape in Southwest France, is exclusively used for crafting sweet, liqueur-style wines. Its thick skins yield limited juice but contribute to its distinctive tangy and verdant flavors, offering refreshing acidity and a well-structured body.
Predominantly grown in Jurançon and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, Petit Manseng's name stems from its smaller berries, prized for their quality despite being less abundant than Gros Manseng. The dry, sunny autumns of Southwestern France permit extended ripening, resulting in exceptionally sweet wines often harvested late. While primarily in Southwest France, it's also cultivated in Spain, Australia, and the US, notably Virginia.
Taste
Petite Manseng features rich aromas of candied fruit and spice, often complemented with the flavours of roasted almonds or walnuts, honey, and pineapple.
Other
Traditionally, grapes undergo "passerillage," drying on the vine to intensify sweetness, ideal for crafting high-quality liqueur-style wines despite modest yields. Often blended for balance with Gros Manseng or Petit Courbu, it thrives in Southwest France's warm climate, balancing acidity and sweetness.