Gros Manseng
Also known as: Gros Mansenc, Ichiriota Zuria Haundia
Gros Manseng
Quick Facts
- Berry Color: Green-yellow
- Skin Thickness: Medium-thick
- Ripening: Mid to late season
- Vigor: Moderate
- Yield: Moderate to high
- Acidity: High
- Relation: Sibling of Petit Manseng
Overview
Gros Manseng is the more productive sibling of Petit Manseng, producing aromatic white wines ranging from fresh, dry styles to medium-sweet expressions from the Jurançon appellation in southwest France. While Petit Manseng is reserved for the finest sweet wines, Gros Manseng’s higher yields and earlier ripening make it ideal for quality dry wines with its characteristic citrus and tropical fruit character. The variety’s natural high acidity ensures freshness across all styles. For enologists, Gros Manseng represents important study in versatile variety management and the production of balanced wines across the sweetness spectrum.
Etymology and History
Name Origin
Gros: French for “large” (larger berries than Petit)
Manseng: Regional family name
Contrast: Larger yields than Petit Manseng
Historical Development
- Ancient Pyrenean cultivation
- Traditional Jurançon variety
- Secondary to Petit Manseng for sweet wines
- Modern dry wine focus
- International expansion (particularly USA)
The Manseng Family
Gros Manseng: Higher yields; dry wine focus
Petit Manseng: Lower yields; sweet wine focus
Relationship: Siblings; complement each other
Viticulture
Vine Characteristics
Growth Habit: Moderate vigor
Leaf Shape: Medium
Cluster: Medium; loose
Berry: Medium (larger than Petit Manseng)
Growing Requirements
Climate: Pyrenean foothills; warm days; cool nights
Soil Preference: Clay-limestone
Training: High training typical
Challenge: Less concentrated than Petit Manseng
Phenological Stages
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Bud break | Mid-April |
| Flowering | Early June |
| Véraison | Early August |
| Harvest | Late September-October |
Comparison with Petit Manseng
| Characteristic | Gros Manseng | Petit Manseng |
|---|---|---|
| Berry size | Medium | Very small |
| Yield | Moderate-high | Very low |
| Ripening | Earlier | Later |
| Primary use | Dry wines | Sweet wines |
Wine Profile
Appearance
- Color: Pale straw to light gold
- Intensity: Light to medium
- Evolution: Best young for dry; can age
Aromatic Profile
Primary Aromas:
- Citrus (grapefruit, lemon, orange)
- Tropical (pineapple, passion fruit)
- Stone fruit (peach, apricot)
- Floral
Character: Aromatic; fresh; vibrant
Palate Characteristics
Structure:
- Light to medium body
- High acidity (signature)
- Fresh, vibrant
- Balanced sweetness range
Texture: Crisp; zesty; refreshing
Finish: Medium; citrus persistence
Wine Styles
Jurançon Sec
Style: Dry; aromatic
Character: Citrus; tropical; fresh
Quality: Excellent value; food-friendly
Jurançon Moelleux (Blends)
Role: Blending with Petit Manseng
Contribution: Volume; freshness
IGP Côtes de Gascogne
Style: Fresh; everyday
Character: Aromatic; accessible
Market: Significant production
Regional Expressions
Jurançon AOC
Status: Traditional home
Styles: Sec (dry) to Moelleux (sweet)
Blend Partner: With Petit Manseng
Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC
Character: Similar style range
Location: Near Madiran
IGP Côtes de Gascogne
Style: Fresh, aromatic, value
Volume: Significant production
Character: Everyday quality
Winemaking Considerations
Fermentation
Temperature: Cool (14-16°C)
Duration: Standard
Vessel: Stainless steel dominant
Goal: Preserve aromatics; freshness
Style Decisions
Dry:
- Complete fermentation
- Maximum freshness
- Early release
Off-Dry/Sweet:
- Partial fermentation stop
- Balance sugar with acid
Oak Usage
Typical: No oak (fresh styles)
Exception: Some barrel-fermented
Philosophy: Fruit and freshness priority
Food Pairing
Dry Style Pairings
Cuisine:
- Fresh seafood
- Light poultry
- Vegetable dishes
- Asian cuisine
Character: Versatile; refreshing
Temperature
Serving: Well-chilled (8-10°C)
Key Producers
Jurançon/Gascogne
Domaine Cauhapé: Quality benchmark
Clos Lapeyre: Quality range
Domaine Bru-Baché: Excellent quality
Producteurs Plaimont: IGP quality
USA
Various California/Texas producers: Experimental
Market Position
Production Statistics
France: ~3,000+ hectares
Trend: Growing; IGP expansion
Export: Significant value segment
Pricing
| Level | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| IGP | €6-12 |
| Jurançon Sec | €12-20 |
| Premium | €18-30 |
Market Position
Strength: Value; quality; food-friendly
Competition: International aromatic whites
Comparison with Aromatic Whites
| Variety | Acidity | Aromatics | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gros Manseng | High | Tropical, citrus | Fresh |
| Sauvignon Blanc | High | Herbaceous, citrus | Crisp |
| Viognier | Low | Floral, stone fruit | Rich |
| Albariño | High | Citrus, saline | Crisp |
American Expansion
US Plantings
Regions: California, Texas
Style: New World interpretation
Potential: Growing interest
Adaptation
Climate: Suited to warm conditions
Acidity: Maintains freshness in heat
Conclusion
Gros Manseng represents southwest France’s versatile white variety, offering aromatic wines with vibrant acidity across a range of styles from dry to sweet. For enologists, Gros Manseng demonstrates the value of workhouse varieties that may lack Petit Manseng’s concentration but offer reliability, volume, and quality for everyday wines. The variety’s natural high acidity ensures freshness even in warm vintages, while its aromatic character provides appeal without complexity. As interest in alternative white varieties grows, Gros Manseng deserves recognition for its consistent quality and food-friendly character.
References
- Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
- VIVC Database. Variety Information.
Last updated: January 13, 2026