Petit Verdot is a full-bodied wine originally from southwest France but is gaining popularity in the new world of wine. You may not be super familiar with it, but if you love Bordeaux you may have actually tried it! This red wine is often used as a blending grape due to its plentiful colour, tannin and floral aromas. In this Petit Verdot wine guide, we dive into everything you need to know about this dark and mysterious grape.
Petit Verdot wine guide
Petit Verdot is one of the five key red varieties of Bordeaux, providing tannin, colour and weight to the famous red blend. Its name roughly translates to ‘little green one’ in French because it can struggle to ripen, sometimes even remaining green at harvest.
Because of this, production of Petit Verdot has slowed in recent decades as it is far more demanding than grapes such as Cabernet Franc and Merlot. But in the new world, it’s found a new lease on life. Plantings in warmer climates of Spain, Australia and California have allowed this grape to show its full potential.
Origin of Petit Verdot
The origins of Petit Verdot are unclear, but it is thought to predate Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux. There are records of it in the eighteenth century, but due to its characteristics, it’s suggested that its origin is in much hotter climates. This grape is one parent of the grape Tressot, so it is possible that both were brought to the region by the Romans as they moved inland.
Flavour profile of Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot has a dark, almost black, colour in the glass that is concentrated and brilliant. It offers aromas of black fruit, ranging from plum, blackberry and blueberry to black cherry. However what makes it stand out are the herbal and floral notes such as violet, lilac, lavender and sage. It is added in small percentages to the Bordeaux blend for these notes, amongst other characteristics of its palate.
On the palate, this wine is dry and full-bodied with high tannin, bold fruit and medium to high acidity. Winemakers will also often age in oak to add notes of vanilla, hazelnut and mocha. Sometimes Petit Verdot can even be a bit smokey and rustic.
Where you’ll find Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot was once considered a purely blending grape, however, producers in Australia, Argentina, Chile and the United States are championing this variety in its own right. This grape thrives in regions with long days and lots of sunlight, which suits Australian regions perfectly. The Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek are renowned for this emerging style, whilst the Murray Darling and Hunter Valley also being unique characteristics to their wines.
What to pair with Petit Verdot
As a bold wine, Petit Verdot is a perfect match for similarly rich dishes. Rich meat dishes, roast lamb and hard cheese all pair beautifully with this red wine. Older Petit Verdot is great alongside the main meal, while younger Petit Verdot will be right at home with a cheese platter.
Summary: Petit Verdot wine guide
This Petit Verdot wine guide has delved into the dark and mysterious world of this lesser known Bordeaux grape, which has found fame in the new world of wine. If you’re looking for a full-bodied red to pair alongside your next roast, check out Petit Verdot!