Petit Verdot: The Bold Underdog of the Vineyard

Introduction

Petit Verdot (pronounced “Peh-tee Vur-doh”), often the unsung hero in the ensemble of grapes, is like the quiet guest at a party who turns out to be the most intriguing person in the room. This grape, with its deep colour and intense flavours, is often overlooked but never underappreciated by those in the know. Let’s step into the world of Petit Verdot – the dark horse of the wine world.

Primary Flavours

Sampling this grape is like biting into a rich, dark fruitcake loaded with spices. It bombards the palate with a medley of blackberries, plums, and blueberries, coupled with an enchanting mix of vanilla, cedar, and a smidgen of smoky intrigue.

As it struts across your taste buds, you may also catch hints of violet, making each sip a complex and delightful experience.

Taste Profile

Petit Verdot	Petite Verdot	Petite Verdot
Aspect	Rating out of 5	Characteristic
Sweetness	🍷	Dry as a British sense of humour, with a coy berry twinkle
Body	🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷	Full-bodied, like a Shakespearean actor on opening night
Tannins	🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷	As robust as a Scotsman in a kilt on a windy day
Acidity	🍷🍷🍷🍷	Sharply invigorating, like a brisk walk in the Highlands
Alcohol by Volume	🍷🍷🍷🍷	Typically around 13-15%, warming like a snug in a pub
Each wine glass icon 🍷 represents one point on a 5-point scale. Petit Verdot, often a blending grape, steals the show with its deep colour, pronounced tannins, and a personality bigger than a double-decker bus. It's a grape that doesn't just join the party; it is the party, bringing depth, colour, and a bit of oomph to the mix!	Each wine glass icon 🍷 represents one point on a 5-point scale. Petite Verdot, often a blending grape, steals the show with its deep colour, pronounced tannins, and a personality bigger than a double-decker bus. It's a grape that doesn't just join the party; it is the party, bringing depth, colour, and a bit of oomph to the mix!	Each wine glass icon 🍷 represents one point on a 5-point scale. Petite Verdot, often a blending grape, steals the show with its deep colour, pronounced tannins, and a personality bigger than a double-decker bus. It's a grape that doesn't just join the party; it is the party, bringing depth, colour, and a bit of oomph to the mix!

Growing Regions

Originally a bit player in the Bordeaux region, Petit Verdot has found new leading roles in the vineyards of Australia, California, and Spain. It’s a grape that enjoys the spotlight in sunny, warm climates, revealing its full potential when basking in the heat.

Origin and Historic Ventures

Hailing from France, Petit Verdot has long played a supporting role in the famed Bordeaux blends. It’s like the character actor of grapes – not always in the limelight but always adding depth and complexity to the ensemble.

Serving Temperature

To truly appreciate Petit Verdot’s bold charisma, serve it at a comfortable 16-18°C (61-64°F). This temperature range allows the wine to showcase its full repertoire of flavours and aromas without any element overpowering the others. It’s about setting the stage for a perfect performance.

Glassware

A large wine glass with a generous bowl is the ideal glass for Petit Verdot. This allows the wine ample space to breathe, softening its formidable tannins and allowing the intricate bouquet of flavours and aromas to flourish. Each swirl in this glass is like an encore, revealing more of the wine’s depth and character.

Decanting

Considering whether to decant is a bit like deciding if a classic British comedy needs a laugh track – sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t.

For the mature and dignified bottles, a stint in the decanter is like a day at the spa, allowing them to unwind and showcase their layered complexity. This leisurely aerating lets the wine strut its stuff, smoothing out any rough tannins and flaunting its full bouquet.

On the flip side, the younger, more spirited versions are ready to hit the ground running, brimming with energy and fruitiness that’s best enjoyed without any preamble. It’s about capturing their youthful zest and exuberance, allowing them to make their grand entrance unassisted.

Ageing

Petit Verdot is a wine that matures gracefully, like a classic novel gaining richness with age. Over time, its assertive fruit flavours evolve into a more complex narrative, weaving in notes of leather, tobacco, and spice. This ageing process transforms the wine, adding depth and intrigue to its already captivating profile.

Food Pairings

Marrying Petit Verdot with food is like casting the lead actor for an epic gourmet drama. This wine’s robust nature demands dishes with equal gusto. Envision it alongside a hearty beef stew, where the rich, meaty flavours tango with the wine’s boldness. Or picture a gamey venison pie, with its richness complementing the wine’s depth like a well-matched dance partner in a passionate paso doble.

For the plant-based connoisseurs, fear not, as this wine doesn’t discriminate. A mushroom Wellington becomes a culinary ballet, with the earthy flavours pirouetting alongside the wine’s intensity. And for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their lives, a spicy lentil curry creates a flavour-packed samba, perfectly in step with the wine’s hearty character.

In the grand theatre of food and wine pairings, Petit Verdot is the charismatic lead, capable of turning any meal into an ovation-worthy performance. It’s a wine that doesn’t just complement a dish; it elevates it, making each dining experience as memorable as a standing ovation at the West End.

The Petit Verdot Personality

In the grand drama of the vineyard, Petit Verdot is the brooding, complex character with a heart of gold. It doesn’t seek the limelight but adds a layer of intrigue and intensity to any blend or occasion. It’s the quiet guest whose stories captivate and enchant.

Celebrated Wine Labels

Petit Verdot	Petit Verdot	Petit Verdot
Country	Wine Label	Varietal Name & Style
France	Château Margaux	Elegance and Depth, Bordeaux Finesse
Australia	Mollydooker	New World Boldness, Vibrant and Expressive
USA	Viader	Californian Craftsmanship, Balanced Intensity
Chile	Montes	South American Flair, Rich and Robust
Italy	Fattoria dei Barbi	Tuscan Ingenuity, Harmonious Complexity
These esteemed producers have each harnessed Petit Verdot’s unique qualities, showcasing its versatility and standalone appeal in their remarkable wines.

Conclusion

Petit Verdot may not be the first grape that springs to mind when you think of fine wine, but it’s undoubtedly one that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a wine of depth, character, and complexity – a hidden gem in the world of viticulture. So, the next time you’re exploring the depths of red wines, reach for a bottle of Petit Verdot. It’s the grape that’s always ready to surprise and delight, revealing a world of flavour in every glass.

FAQ

Is Petit Verdot a red or white wine?

Petit Verdot is a red wine grape, known for being the ‘darker’ sidekick in many Bordeaux blends.

To which wines is Petit Verdot similar?

Petit Verdot is like the feisty cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, adding a similar depth and tannin, but with an extra kick of boldness and a touch of floral flair.

Which country produces the most Petit Verdot?

France, particularly Bordeaux, is the original stomping ground of Petit Verdot. However, it’s also sunning itself in warmer regions like Australia and California, where it ripens just right.

What are some interesting facts about Petit Verdot?

• Petit Verdot, a bit of a late bloomer in the grape world, often ripens later than its vineyard buddies.
• Originally from Bordeaux, France, it’s like the mysterious, dark horse of the grape family.
• Known for adding a punch of colour, tannin, and a whiff of spice to blends.
• Flavours? Think blackberry with a dash of violet and a sprinkle of peppery spice.

Where does the name Petit Verdot originate from?

“Petit Verdot” translates to ‘little green one’, a cheeky nod to its habit of under-ripening in cool years. Quite the temperamental little grape, it’s fussy about its sunbathing schedule.