This
grape variety originally came from the French Pyrenees. It is frequently
used in blends in the following AOC: Jurançon, Pacherenc de Vic-Bilh,
Béarn, and Irouléguy. It is also produced in the Spanish
Basque region under the name "Hondarrabi Zurri". Petit Courbu
is not high-yielding and is often pruned long. It is particularly susceptible
to gray rot. It's name, Petit Courbu, refers to the small bunches and
grapes it bears. There are several other, higher-yielding forms of this
grape variety, with larger grapes and bunches, but they do not produce
high quality wine. It is often blended with Manseng to make semi-sweet
or sweet wines. On its own, Petit Courbu produces fine, pale golden-yellow
wines with an exuberant bouquet, powerful body and good aging potential.
Synonym : Petit Courbu