Wine Arcana

Grape

Manseng Noir

Also known as Ferron, Espadeiron Mole

Manseng Noir is a red grape of the western Pyrenees that has returned to commercial use in southwestern France after almost disappearing from its vineyards. Its deep colour, retained acidity, and relatively late ripening have drawn interest in Gascony, where growers are reconsidering varieties for warmer seasons.

Decline and return

Plantgrape's French figures show the scale of its contraction: 790 hectares in 1958 had fallen to just 3 in 2008, before rising to 34 in 2018.1. Plantgrape, “Manseng noir N,” cultivated-area series and synonymy, accessed 14 September 2026. The area figures refer to France. This is a revival from a very small base, rather than a return to its former extent. Plantgrape also records Ferron in Spain and Espadeiron Mole in Portugal as names for the variety.1. Plantgrape, “Manseng noir N,” cultivated-area series and synonymy, accessed 14 September 2026. The area figures refer to France.

Plaimont documents its renewed use in Côtes de Gascogne and a dedicated bottling. The coöperative presents the grape as a less alcoholic and less tannic counterpart to Tannat. That describes its production interest; the broader varietal record also includes astringent wines suitable for blending and maturation.

Establishing the vineyard

Manseng Noir is vigorous and has low fertility at the base of its shoots, which favours long pruning. It can nevertheless carry a large crop. Plantgrape describes fairly loose bunches and adaptation to varied soils. These characteristics make the balance between leaf growth and fruit an important part of cultivation.

The Institut français de la vigne et du vin (IFV) examined plant material and vineyards in Saint Mont and Côtes de Gascogne through its MANOIR project. It found substantial variation in bunch size and fertility. Young plantings also showed growth disorders, and the researchers recommended prioritizing roots and wood over early cropping. Detection of Grapevine Pinot Gris Virus did not establish that it caused those symptoms.2. Thierry Dufourcq & Olivier Yobrégat, “Le Manseng Noir, un cépage autochtone prometteur face aux enjeux climatiques et qualitatifs des vignobles du Sud-Ouest,” IFV summary of the MANOIR project, 2020–2023.

Colour, acidity, and the limits of a trial

The project's wines developed intense colour quickly while showing ripe fruit, spice, acidity, and relatively supple tannin. Plantgrape's more astringent general description and these softer trial wines illustrate the range that plant material, crop, ripeness, and winemaking can produce.

The IFV identifies late ripening and acid retention as promising traits for warmer conditions. Its field observations covered four plots over 2019–2022, including disruptive frost and hail. Water stress was generally moderate or absent, so the observations provide limited evidence for performance under severe drought.2. Thierry Dufourcq & Olivier Yobrégat, “Le Manseng Noir, un cépage autochtone prometteur face aux enjeux climatiques et qualitatifs des vignobles du Sud-Ouest,” IFV summary of the MANOIR project, 2020–2023.

The same report calls Tannat a probable descendant of Manseng Noir, leaving the relationship qualified rather than presenting a settled pedigree.2. Thierry Dufourcq & Olivier Yobrégat, “Le Manseng Noir, un cépage autochtone prometteur face aux enjeux climatiques et qualitatifs des vignobles du Sud-Ouest,” IFV summary of the MANOIR project, 2020–2023.

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