Michael Shaps Petit Manseng 2021

Alcohol: 14.4%

Grape(s): 99.5% Petit Manseng, 0.5% Viognier

Localization: Monticello, Virginia, USA

Tasting Notes: This wine is our heaviest white and is structured like a Chardonnay.  It transmits a grilled flavor, hinting of grilled pineapple and mango.  It is very aromatic, with a bright, tropical and pleasant acid on the finish that balances out the up front weight. 

Notes: Aged in 30% new French oak for 9 months

From a great vintage and produced by one of Virginia's best-known winemakers, petit manseng is native to the Jurançon region of France and known for its acidity.  In Virginia, it is harvested at varying degrees of ripeness while still maintaining acidity.  It produces a textured and layered wine on the palate with flavors of melon, mango, and papaya.  Michael produces this in a dry style. 

Food Pairing: Pairs well with heavy shellfish and chicken dishes.

The Domain: Known for his innovation and winemaking expertise, Michael Shaps has established himself at the forefront of the modern Virginia wine industry. Producing wines under the Michael Shaps label and for several prestigious wineries throughout the state--one winning the Governor's Cup in 2017--his accolades and national recognition are beyond compare.

Unlike his peers, he also owns and manages a successful winery in Burgundy, France, where he studied and trained to be a winemaker in the early '90s.  These wines, under the Maison Shaps label, are produced and bottled at Michael's winery in Meursault and imported to the United States.