Introduction
Wine lovers always crave something new and exciting, be it the latest blend or a rare varietal. Recently, there has been a buzz about Petit Verdot and how it could be the new “it” grape of the wine world. This varietal, commonly used for blending, is now being showcased in its own right, and winemakers are experimenting more and more with its potential. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Petit Verdot and find out why it is gaining popularity.
Table of Contents
-What is Petit Verdot?
-The History of Petit Verdot
– Petit Verdot in the Vineyard
– Why is Petit Verdot gaining popularity?
– Petit Verdot as a stand-alone varietal
– The Taste of Petit Verdot
– Where is Petit Verdot grown?
– Petit Verdot Pairings
– Conclusion
– FAQs
What is Petit Verdot?
Petit Verdot is a red wine grape that is known for its high tannin levels and strong flavor profile. It is one of the five primary Bordeaux varietals, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Petit Verdot typically makes up a small percentage of the blend, ranging from 1-10%, but its presence can greatly affect the overall flavor and structure of the wine.
The History of Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot has a long history in Bordeaux, where it was once a more prominent varietal. However, its late-ripening nature made it difficult to cultivate in cooler years, and many vineyards started to phase it out in favor of more reliable varietals. This trend continued well into the twentieth century, and Petit Verdot had become somewhat of a forgotten grape. It wasn’t until the 1980s that Petit Verdot started to regain some of its popularity, with a renewed interest in blending.
Petit Verdot in the Vineyard
Petit Verdot is a challenging grape to grow, as it requires a long growing season and plenty of sunlight. It does best in regions with a warm climate, as well as good drainage and low humidity. If the weather is unfavorable, Petit Verdot may not ripen fully, which can result in green, unripe flavors in the wine. It is also susceptible to disease and rot, making careful vineyard management essential.
Why is Petit Verdot gaining popularity?
There are several reasons why Petit Verdot is gaining popularity among winemakers and wine drinkers alike. Firstly, its strong tannic structure provides excellent aging potential, and it can add depth and complexity to a blend. As winemakers experiment more with blending, they are starting to appreciate the value of Petit Verdot. Secondly, it is becoming more feasible to grow Petit Verdot, thanks to improved vineyard management techniques and more reliable weather patterns. Finally, consumers are beginning to seek out unique and exciting varietals, and Petit Verdot fits the bill perfectly.
Petit Verdot as a stand-alone varietal
Despite being predominantly used for blending, Petit Verdot is starting to gain recognition as a stand-alone varietal. Some winemakers are using it to create bold, rich, and complex wines that can hold their own against more well-known varietals. As a stand-alone varietal, Petit Verdot can showcase its unique flavor profile, which includes dark fruit flavors, such as blackberry and blackcurrant, as well as floral and herbal notes.
The Taste of Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is a full-bodied wine with high tannin levels, making it a good match for hearty dishes, such as red meat or stews. It has a deep, rich color, and a complex flavor profile that includes dark fruit flavors, such as blackberry and blackcurrant, as well as herbal and floral notes. The tannins give the wine a firm structure, which can help it age well and develop even greater complexity over time.
Where is Petit Verdot grown?
Petit Verdot is most commonly grown in the Bordeaux region of France, where it is used as a blending grape. However, it is becoming increasingly popular in other regions around the world, such as Australia, Chile, and the United States. It can be challenging to grow outside of Bordeaux, but winemakers are starting to experiment with Petit Verdot in different climates and soils, to see what works best.
Petit Verdot Pairings
As mentioned, Petit Verdot is a full-bodied wine with high tannin levels, making it an ideal pairing for hearty dishes. It pairs well with red meat, particularly beef or lamb, as well as stews and slow-cooked dishes. It also goes well with strong, earthy flavors, such as mushrooms or truffles. If you are looking for a cheese pairing, go for a strong, aged cheese, such as cheddar or gouda.
Conclusion
After delving into the world of Petit Verdot, it’s clear that it is a grape with a lot of potential. While once an afterthought, Petit Verdot is now emerging as a varietal in its own right, and winemakers are starting to experiment more with its potential. Its unique flavor profile and strong tannic structure make it a great addition to a blend, and as a stand-alone varietal, it can create bold, complex wines that can hold their own against more well-known varietals. With more winemakers and consumers seeking out unique and exciting varietals, Petit Verdot could well become the new “it” grape of the wine world.
FAQs
1. What flavors can be expected in a Petit Verdot wine?
Petit Verdot wines typically have dark fruit flavors, such as blackberry and blackcurrant, as well as floral and herbal notes.
2. What foods pair well with Petit Verdot?
Petit Verdot pairs well with red meat, particularly beef or lamb, as well as stews and slow-cooked dishes. It also goes well with strong, earthy flavors, such as mushrooms or truffles.
3. Can Petit Verdot be used for blending?
Yes, Petit Verdot is commonly used for blending and can add depth and complexity to a blend.
4. Where is Petit Verdot grown?
Petit Verdot is most commonly grown in the Bordeaux region of France, but it is also being grown in other regions around the world, such as Australia, Chile, and the United States.
5. Is Petit Verdot a good aging wine?
Yes, Petit Verdot has a high tannin level and a firm structure, making it an excellent aging wine that can develop even greater complexity over time.
Image Credit: Pexels