Petit Manseng Vertical Pairing at Portree Cellars from John Friesen Vineyards

I am always in awe of what Texas can do with grapes cultivated here in the diverse Texas terroir which then turns them into gorgeous wines for us to enjoy. Petit Manseng is no exception.

What a treat we had at Portree Cellars in Johnson City. Owner/winemaker Janet Miertschin hosted a Vertical Pairing with 4 years of Petit Manseng from John Friesen Vineyards. John and his wife Anna were on hand to experience these fabulous Texas wines with the group. They also gave us additional insight into these wines and experienced with us the amazing flavors and aromas along with a well-curated tasting menu- by owner/winemaker Janet- that paired so well.

John and Anna Friesen

What an honor and pleasure to be in the company of John and his wife. They are artists of the vines and are well-known and their grapes are highly sought after. Some of the best wines in Texas bear Friesen Vineyards on the label.

Never heard of Petit Manseng grape?

Where it originates from:

Petit Manseng is a white-wine grape originating in southwest France. It’s most recognized because of its role in the classic dessert-wine blends of the region.

There, it’s only rarely bottled as a single varietal, or even main ingredient of a blend, except as sweet wine.

Yet, Petit Manseng grapes also grow well in Texas and you’ll find these grapes growing in the Texas High Plains at Friesen Vineyard for full-bodied dry to off-dry white wine in Loop, Texas and for a sweet dessert wine at Bending Branch.

Petit Manseng grapes are naturally very high in sugar and aromatics.

Flavors and aromas of Petit Manseng are typically described as rich white wines. These full-bodied wines have their own personality with layers of aromas, rich colors and complex flavors without oak aging.

Other rich, full-bodied wines you might be enjoying currently are Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne and Semillon.

The wines we tasted during the 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Vertical Tasting were all unoaked and had a kaleidoscope of flavors and aromas including: pineapple, honeydew melon, grapefruit, orange with an herbal component of fresh grass.

One might also detect pear, stone fruits, crisp apples and tropical fruits such as mango and papaya. Along with varying degrees of acidity we could detect a creamy mouthfeel reminiscent of biscuit and brioche.

Pairing suggestions:

Such a unique grape with so many delightful flavors and aromas which are perfect for summer sipping alone and definitely for wine pairings with typical summer bites such as creamy cheeses, fruits and charcuterie. This would be a great wine for grilled seafood and baked fish.

Janet is the ultimate artist, winemaker, chef and owner. If you have visited Portree and experienced the gorgeous views while drinking their wines, then you know. If you haven’t been there yet, GO!

I was thrilled to actually have a vine-to-glass experience! Anna Friesen showed me a photo of the 2024 Petit Manseng from their vineyard and the glass of wine beside it is the 2024! How awesome was this!