Petit Courbu is a white grape indigenous to the Jarançon region of southwest France. It is still mainly grown in this region and used in blended wines with other aromatic grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng. Petit Courbu is known for its aromatic qualities, especially its floral, citrus and honey notes. Despite it being a low yielding vine with small bunches of small berries, plantings of the grape have slowly been increasing. The name translates to ‘little curved one’. There is also a Courbu Blanc grape, which is similar in size and color but genetically unique.
This week, I had a 2023 Artomaña Xarmant from Txakoli in the Basque region of northeastern Spain. This wine is a blend of 80% Hondarrabi Zuri and 20% Petit Courbu. Hondarrabi Zuri is the name for Courbu Blanc in the Spanish Basque region. This wine was a pale lemon color with overt aromas of gardenias, honeysuckle, white grapefruit, pineapple and wet stone. It has a high acidity that is balanced with a moderate texture. The texture was slightly increased by aging on lees for a couple months. The pronounced aromas also translate into equally vibrant flavors on the palate, which linger for a prolonged finish. This wine would pair well with grilled fish tacos, soft cheeses, and coconut shrimp. Xarmant is intended to be consumed young to fully enjoy its aromatic character. It would be a refreshing wine to serve chilled on a warm summer afternoon.
-TheLooseTannin
A Trip Around the World of Wine in 52 Weeks 