Manseng Noir

Manseng Noir originates from the Western Pyrenees and carries Basque roots. The variety was mentioned by historical authors including the Marquis de Montesquieu before the 19th century, pointing to its long presence in the region. By the modern era, the grape had all but vanished until the discovery of a 200-year-old pre-phylloxera vineyard in Viella, within AOC Madiran, which contained the last known remaining vine. That single plant became the foundation for all current propagation efforts.

• Basque and Western Pyrenees origins, with records predating the 19th century
• Referenced by the Marquis de Montesquieu in historical writings
• Rescued from a single surviving pre-phylloxera vine in Viella, AOC Madiran
• Related to the Tannat grape family

Manseng Noir is a late-ripening variety, reaching maturity roughly four weeks after Chasselas. It grows on clay-limestone hillsides under an oceanic Mediterranean climate influence. The grape mutates easily, a trait it shares with Pinot Noir and Muscat, and it has spawned both Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng. With only one certified clone (number 897) in existence, genetic diversity is extremely limited. An ampelographic conservatory was established in Pyrénées-Atlantiques in 2013 to safeguard and study the variety.

• Ripens approximately four weeks after Chasselas, making it a late-season variety
• Grows on clay-limestone hillsides with oceanic Mediterranean climate influence
• Mutates easily, similar to Pinot Noir and Muscat
• Only one certified clone exists: number 897
• Ampelographic conservatory established in Pyrénées-Atlantiques in 2013

Wines made from Manseng Noir are deeply colored and highly tannic, with a spicy personality and silky tannin texture. Aromas center on plum, black currant, black fruit, and red fruits, while the palate adds pepper, olives, and dark berries. Compared to Tannat, Manseng Noir delivers moderate alcohol, making it an attractive option as Southwest France contends with increasingly powerful wines driven by climate change. Plaimont Producteurs is actively reviving the variety for precisely this reason.

• Deep color, high tannin, and silky texture characterize the wine style
• Aromas include plum, black currant, pepper, olives, and dark berries
• Lower alcohol than Tannat, offering a cooler-climate alternative
• Plaimont Producteurs is leading the revival as a climate-change-adapted option

Manseng Noir is permitted within Béarn AOC in Southwest France but is rarely used in modern production. Its classification is listed as a wine grape in France. Current production is extremely limited, with only approximately 6,000 bottles produced in total. Notable producers working with the grape include Plaimont Producteurs and Domaine de Pellehaut. The variety carries more than a dozen synonyms across historical and regional records, including Courbu Rouge, Arrouya, and Ferrón.

• Permitted in Béarn AOC but rarely included in modern blends
• Classified as a wine grape in France (A-list classification)
• Total production approximately 6,000 bottles
• Key producers: Plaimont Producteurs and Domaine de Pellehaut
• Known by synonyms including Courbu Rouge, Arrouya, Gros Manzenc, and Ferrón