2019 Marlborough, Petit Manseng, Churton, Marlborough, New Zealand

New Zealand's answer to Napa Valley, Marlborough accounted for 47 percent of the country's vines in 2006, despite being home to just 20 percent of the nation’s 530 wineries. Around 76 percent of the vineyards are planted with Sauvignon Blanc. The region is also home to New Zealand’s small sparkling-wine industry, using the traditional method to vinify Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Born and raised in the UK, Sam Weaver became involved in the wine business in London for about ten years before moving to New Zealand. After working as a consultant for many wineries, he and his wife Mandy founded **Churton** in 1997. The name "Churton" comes from the affectionate nickname of the village in Shropshire, England, where Sam grew up. With a background handling fine wines in London (his first job was at Berry Bros. & Rudd!), Sam sought European-style subtlety and expression in wine. To achieve this, he prioritized location above all else. Rather than purchasing flat land in the valley, where over 90% of Marlborough wineries are situated at altitudes of 0-30 meters, he bought land at an elevation of 200 meters with rolling hills. First, he planted Pinot Noir on the highest east-facing slopes, and Sauvignon Blanc on the northeast-facing (southeast in the Southern Hemisphere) hillsides. He believes that it is only on such varied terrain, like that of Burgundy or Champagne, that you can cultivate grapes with rich nuance.

Petit Manseng, sometimes translated as “Small Manseng” or rarely “Little Manseng,” is a white wine grape variety primarily grown in South West France. The grape derives its name from its small, thick-skinned berries. Among the Manseng family of grapes, Petit Manseng produces the highest quality wine. It thrives in regions such as Gascony, Jurançon, and around Madiran (for Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh).

Petit Manseng grapes are known for their stone fruit flavours, particularly peach and apricot, but can also exhibit hints of citrus and sweet spice. Winemakers often leave the grapes on the vine until December to produce a late-harvest dessert wine. These nearly raisin-like grapes yield rich, sweet wines with concentrated flavours.

While traditionally associated with France, Petit Manseng has drawn interest in New World wine regions. California, North Georgia, Virginia, and Ohio have started exploring this grape variety, and its popularity is expected to follow a similar trajectory to Viognier among white wine enthusiasts.

The variety goes by various synonyms, including Escriberou, Ichiriota Zuria Tipia (in Spain), Mansein, Mansenc Blanc, Miot, and more.