First of all: The Petit Doux is by no means a “small” (light or minor) sweet wine, as the name might suggest. The “Petit” refers to the name of the grape variety—Petit Manseng. This is a variety used to produce outstanding sweet wines in southwestern France, primarily in the Jurançon and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh appellations. Thanks to its small, loose clusters and small, thick-skinned berries, the variety is not only highly resistant to botrytis but also capable of concentrating sugar within the berries while retaining high acidity—both ideal qualities for producing a fresh, balanced sweet wine.
Now, this grape variety has found its way to the Palatinate—specifically to the VDP estate Knipser in Laumersheim, in the northern part of the region. The family has been growing wine there since 1876. While the estate is renowned for its excellent red wines, it also produces outstanding white wines. We tasted the 2024 vintage of the Petit Doux. The grapes come entirely from Petit Manseng vines grown in the Dirmsteiner Mandelpfad and Bissersheimer Orlenberg vineyard sites. We enjoyed the wine paired with a sweet avocado cream and chocolate-coconut-chili ice cream.
Petit Doux 2024, Knipser (Tasted Wines)
Passion fruit, mango, pineapple, and verbena, with a hint of peach on the nose. Fresh and juicy on the palate, featuring delicate mint, fine mineral notes, and a lively acidity that balances the sweetness perfectly. A concentrated, clean, sleek, and invigorating sweet wine of excellent quality.