Wine enthusiasts, welcome to the fascinating world of Gros manseng! Often overshadowed by more famous varieties, this grape truly deserves your attention. With its exuberant aromas of exotic fruits and its elegant character, it indeed has some serious advantages !
Curious to learn more? Let
The history of Gros manseng
The Gros manseng is an emblematic grape variety from the southwest of France and has its roots in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region.Originally from the vineyard of Jurançon, it still plays an important role in the production of both sweet and dry wines of the appellation.
Indeed, although its cousin Petit Manseng has more aptitude for over-ripening, Gros Manseng is quite capable of producing delicious dry and sweet white wines. Its good resistance to diseases and its adaptation to the cooler climates of the mountains have also allowed it to thrive throughout the wine region of the Southwest (Landes, Gers, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyrenees, etc.).
In France, Gros Manseng is now cultivated on nearly 2,800 hectares, mainly in the southwest.If this is relatively little, it should be kept in mind that the variety covered only about fifty hectares in France at the end of the 1960s !
The Gros Manseng is also experiencing a revival today thanks to bold winemakers who are now exploiting its potential to create elegant, fruity, and refreshing wines. This grape variety indeed perfectly adapts to new consumption trends, thus rising to the rank of rising stars in the world of white wines.
The flagship regions of Gros Manseng
As already mentioned, the Gros Manseng is an emblematic grape variety of the southwest of France. It shares the sunny slopes of the Pyrenees with the Petit Manseng as well as other local varieties.
Besides its stronghold in Jurançon, Gros Manseng is also cultivated in other appellations such as Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh and the IGP Côtes de Gascogne and Landes. Within these vineyards, it is often blended with other local grape varieties such as Ugni Blanc, Petit Courbu, or Colombard to produce fresh and lively wines that fully express the character of their terroir.
While the southwest remains the undisputed cradle of the variety, Gros Manseng is also found in other countries, such as Spain and Italy, where it is beginning to attract the interest of winemakers due to its versatility and aromatic potential.
Vines on the AOC Jurançon
The characteristics of Gros manseng
The Gros manseng is distinguished by its ability to produce white wines with intense fruity aromas while maintaining a beautiful freshness. The clusters of this variety are generally medium-sized and composed of golden yellow berries that soak up the sun as they ripen.
Furthermore, Gros manseng has a great potential richness in sugars, making it an ideal candidate for the production of sweet, mellow, and semi-dry wines.
From a visual standpoint, wines made from Gros manseng have a golden and bright color.On the palate, these wines are often characterized by a pleasant roundness but also a beautiful liveliness.
On the aromatic side, the grape variety unfolds exotic fruity notes ranging from pineapple to passion fruit, including mango. Notes of peach, pear, and apricot are also common. All these aromas are often accompanied by floral nuances, such as acacia or honeysuckle, as well as notes of honey and sweet spices in the sweet versions.
What to eat with a Gros Manseng?
Are you wondering which dishes could enhance a Gros Manseng? Don't worry, this grape variety is a true Swiss army knife in the kitchen and can pair with a wide variety of dishes !
For dry wines made from Gros Manseng, there are plenty of options! Consider pairings with grilled fish or seafood. Imagine a sea bass fillet with lemon or finely iodized oysters: these choices will perfectly enhance the fruity aromas and freshness of the wine.If you prefer spicy dishes, try pairing them with a shrimp curry: a true delight!
Always with dry wines, and for white meat lovers, have you ever considered roast chicken with herbs or guinea fowl in creamy sauce? These dishes pair perfectly with the more dense and complex wines from Gros Manseng.
For an optimal experience, serve your dry Gros Manseng between 8 and 10 °C, to highlight its liveliness and aromas.
Finally, the sweet wines of Gros Manseng are excellent with fruit desserts. A pear tart or a mango salad will indeed be ideal companions to beautifully end the meal. Also remember that the grape variety in its "sweet" version can pair wonderfully well with blue-veined cheeses (Roquefort, Bleu des Causses, Gorgonzola, etc.) !
To enjoy the freshness and sweetness of your sweet wine, serve it at a temperature of about 8 to 10 °C.
So, which pairing tempts you the most for your next meal?
Delicious roasted chicken accompanied by a wine made from Gros Manseng
The best wines made from Gros Manseng
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Located in Bas-Armagnac, this estate indeed produces white wines with excellent value for money where the Gros Manseng reveals all its freshness and fruity notes. Perfect for pairing with fish or light appetizers ! Their semi-dry cuvée "Demoiselle" will also pair divinely well with your desserts…
Another must-try is the domain Alain Brumont, a true icon of the South-West vineyards. Try, for example, their Côtes-de-Gascogne ! This Gros Manseng-Sauvignon blend will tantalize your taste buds with oysters or slightly spicy accras .
Now that you are an expert on Gros manseng, it's time for you to move on to tasting! Discover our exclusive selection on lacave-éclairée.fr and let yourself be tempted by these wines with captivating aromas and irresistible freshness. Take the opportunity to explore new flavors and surprise your taste buds…cheers !
