2023 Billy Button “The Mixed Up” Manseng

It was revealed in 2020 that all Petit Manseng plantings in Australia are actually Gros Manseng. This is a result of an ampelographic mix-up when material was imported from France in 1979.  – hence the name “The Mixed Up”.

The Manseng family of grape varieties hails from south west France. We thought we had the 'Petit' variety here in Australia, but recent DNA testing has shown it is actually the 'Gros' variety. Regardless, it makes delicious aromatic wine, high in natural acidity. 

This variety came to us for the first time in 2020 when Jo was on the hunt for parcels of fruit to replace Alpine Valleys fruit that was sadly destroyed by smoke taint. Originally only meant to be making a special guest appearance in the Billy Button varietal range as it is sourced from the King Valley it was decided that this parcel of Gros Manseng was a keeper.  It is now a permanent fixture in the Billy Button line up.

Gros Manseng is known for producing powerful and intensely flavoured wine. Think high acid, abundant flavours of apricot and quince and attractive spice and floral notes.

Say 'mahn-seng' or 'gro mahn-seng'

Production Notes

Once pressed the juice was settled, racked and inoculated with selected yeast. Ferment was low and slow with temperatures maintained at between 13 and 15 degrees. The wine was sulphured immediately post ferment and left on lees until clarification.  Bottled September 2023.

Tasting Notes

(Gros) Manseng is an interesting variety that has very high levels of acidity - much higher than varieties we traditionally associate with this trait, like Riesling. As a consequence, we pick this variety quite ripe to allow the acid levels to reduce, resulting in very intense flavours. If you like Riesling, you'll probably like Manseng.

Optimal Drinking Window – now to 2034.  Excellent aging potential.

Technical details

Vineyard:             Symphonia Vineyard, Myrrhee

Region:                King Valley

Alcohol:               12.5%

Winemakers:       Glenn James and Jo Marsh

Reviews

"Gros manseng, or 'manseng' for short, is a grape from southwest France that traditionally combines exotic fruits with florals. Expect to see both here, nicely subtle and understated from what was a cool, wet year. It accentuates acidity, which is the backdrop to quince, apple and citrus with a savoury layer of nettle and almond skin. Line it up with shellfish." Awarded 89 points, Halliday Wine Companion, Jeni Port - Published 29 April 2025