Plaimont Manseng Noir Cotes de Gascone 2022

fresh blackberry, blueberry preserve, black pepper, and sugar snap peas

Once prized for its age-worthy reds and elegant dessert wines, France’s Gascogne region fell on hard times due to a changing global wine market and economic competition from its wealthier neighbor Bordeaux. However, there is a renaissance under way in Gascogne, led by native winemakers who are producing wines of incredible quality and value. As in many other “forgotten” regions of Europe, these producers are focusing largely on native varieties over more popular “commercial” crops. In this case, Andre Dubosc and his co-operative project, called Plaimont, are working with a local variety once thought to be extinct, called Manseng Noir.

In the past, Manseng Noir was renowned for its durability in hot vintages and its resistance to drought. However, the arrival of more popular grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot led to winemakers abandoning it en masse! Fortunately, Andre and his team have created this easy-drinking example which will hopefully lead to a resurgence in the grape’s popularity, especially as drought conditions become the norm in Gascogne. This wine is fermented exclusively in stainless steel to better preserve its varietal character. When you open this wine, you will want to decant for a half hour and serve it slightly chilled, similar to the Roterfaden red listed above. Once this wine has some time to open up, expect notes of fresh blackberry, blueberry preserve, black pepper, and sugar snap peas. Drink now through 2026 with pâté and baguette, grilled salmon, or a Cuban sandwich with extra pickles.