Petit manseng and its big brother

by Darby
(France)

There are a few wineries in Australia using Petit manseng, but no-one using Gros Manseng, as far as I know.

Both are used here in the Southwest of France. Most famously they make up the luscious whites of Jurancon and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, but they often appear in other vin de pays.

We recently had a bottle of Gros Manseng Moelleux for lunch. Moelleux means semi-sweet. When I ordered it the waitress said "you know its sweet" Obviously people complain about the wine. We had it with some savoury gallettes forestiere. Galletes are like pancakes made from buckwheat, in this case served wrapped around some mushrooms and cheese.

A wonderful combination! Don't be afraid to try a semi-sweet wine with a savory dish. But they go equally well with desert. Last night we enjoyed a bottle of Petit/gros Manseng moelleux from Domaine de Quissat with strawberries and ice cream.