The Petit Verdot
Grape
A red grape variety traditionally used as a blending grape in Bordeaux wines, adding color, tannin, and flavors of dark fruits and spices. Petit Verdot produces concentrated, full-bodied wines that are valued for their intensity and aging potential.
Petit Verdot
Grape History
Petit Verdot is a dark-skinned red wine grape variety that is believed to have originated in the Bordeaux region of France. The name "Petit Verdot" means "little green" in French, a reference to its late ripening nature. Historically, Petit Verdot was primarily used as a blending grape in Bordeaux wines, adding depth, color, and structure to the final blend.
Petit Verdot is known for its intense color, high tannins, and bold flavors. It typically produces wines with dark fruit flavors such as blackberry, blueberry, and plum, as well as notes of violet, spice, and earth. Its high acidity and tannins make it well-suited for aging, allowing the wine to develop complexity and depth over time.
While Petit Verdot was traditionally a minor blending grape, it has gained recognition as a varietal wine in its own right in recent years. Winemakers in regions outside of Bordeaux, such as California, Australia, and Argentina, have started to produce single-varietal Petit Verdot wines to showcase its unique characteristics.
In terms of where it is grown, Petit Verdot is primarily cultivated in regions with warm climates, as it requires a long growing season to fully ripen. It is commonly found in Bordeaux, particularly in the Margaux and Pauillac appellations, where it is used in small quantities in blends with other Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
Outside of Bordeaux, Petit Verdot is also grown in countries such as the United States, Australia, Spain, Italy, and Chile. It thrives in regions such as Napa Valley in California, where the warm climate allows the grapes to fully ripen, resulting in rich and concentrated wines.
In terms of wines that it goes in, as mentioned earlier, Petit Verdot is often used in Bordeaux blends to add color, structure, and complexity. However, it is increasingly being used as a single-varietal wine, where it produces bold and full-bodied wines with intense flavors and firm tannins. These wines are best enjoyed with hearty dishes such as grilled meats, stews, and aged cheeses.
Looking towards the future, Petit Verdot is gaining popularity among winemakers and consumers alike for its unique characteristics and ability to produce rich, full-bodied wines. As climate change continues to impact winegrowing regions around the world, the demand for grapes that can thrive in warmer conditions is expected to increase, making Petit Verdot an attractive option for many winemakers.
Overall, Petit Verdot is a versatile and intriguing grape variety that has the potential to shine both as a blending grape and as a standalone varietal. With its intense flavors, firm tannins, and aging potential, Petit Verdot is a grape worth watching in the world of wine.