Introduction:
Petit Verdot is a type of grape that is often overlooked by winemakers. It is usually used as a blending grape to add color, structure, and tannin to other wines. However, some winemakers are starting to recognize the potential of Petit Verdot to produce award-winning wines. In this blog post, we will explore the origins and characteristics of Petit Verdot, its role in winemaking, and the reasons why it may be the secret ingredient for award-winning wines.
Table of Contents:
I. Origins and Characteristics of Petit Verdot
II. Petit Verdot’s Role in Winemaking
III. The Reasons Why Petit Verdot is the Secret Ingredient for Award-Winning Wines
A. Complexity and Depth
B. Tannins and Ageability
C. Flavor Intensity and Balance
IV. Conclusion
V. FAQ
Origins and Characteristics of Petit Verdot:
Petit Verdot is a red grape variety that originated in Bordeaux, France. The name Petit Verdot means “little green one” in French, which refers to the fact that it is one of the last grape varieties to ripen and often remains green when other varieties have already been harvested. It is a thick-skinned grape that produces wines that are deeply colored, full-bodied, and high in tannins.
Petit Verdot is relatively rare, accounting for only 1-2% of the vineyard area in Bordeaux. It is also grown in other wine regions such as California, Australia, and Chile. In California, Petit Verdot is often used in Bordeaux-style blends, while in Australia and Chile, it is sometimes made as a varietal wine.
Petit Verdot’s Role in Winemaking:
Petit Verdot is mostly used as a blending grape to add color, tannin, and structure to other wines. It is often blended with other Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The small clusters and thick skins of Petit Verdot make it resistant to disease and weather, which makes it a reliable grape to grow.
Petit Verdot is often planted in warmer regions where it can fully ripen. If harvested too early, Petit Verdot can produce wines that are overly tannic and harsh. However, when fully ripened, Petit Verdot contributes a unique flavor profile to wines, including aromas and flavors of violet, blackberry, and pepper.
The Reasons Why Petit Verdot is the Secret Ingredient for Award-Winning Wines:
Petit Verdot adds complexity, depth, tannins, flavor intensity, and balance to wines. These characteristics make it an ideal grape variety to produce award-winning wines. Let’s explore each reason in more detail.
Complexity and Depth:
Petit Verdot adds complexity and depth to wines due to its aromatic and flavor profile. When blended with other grape varieties, it contributes a unique character to the wine that cannot be achieved with other grapes alone. It can bring notes of spice, smoke, and black fruit to the wine. This makes Petit Verdot a valuable grape variety to add to a blend to create a more complex and interesting wine.
Tannins and Ageability:
Petit Verdot’s thick skins contribute to the high tannin levels in wines, which makes the wine age-worthy. Tannins provide structure to the wine and keep it from deteriorating over time. Petit Verdot’s tannins are so robust that it is sometimes used in small quantities to help other wines with a lower tannin content to age better. A wine containing Petit Verdot can be aged for up to 20 years and develop a smoother and more complex character over time.
Flavor Intensity and Balance:
Petit Verdot adds flavor intensity and balance to wines. Its contribution of black fruit flavors and spiciness can make the wine more interesting to the palate. Moreover, Petit Verdot’s high acidity makes it a suitable grape variety to balance out the sweetness of other grapes like Merlot. This combination of flavor intensity and balance makes Petit Verdot an ideal grape variety to produce award-winning wines.
Conclusion:
Petit Verdot is a grape variety that is often underappreciated in winemaking. However, its potential to produce award-winning wines cannot be ignored. Petit Verdot adds complexity, depth, tannins, flavor intensity, and balance to wines, making it an ideal grape variety to produce high-quality blends. By using Petit Verdot in winemaking, winemakers may be able to unlock the secret ingredient to produce award-winning wines.
FAQ:
1. What foods pair well with Petit Verdot wine?
Petit Verdot’s intense flavor profile makes it an ideal wine to pair with hearty meat dishes like steak, lamb, and venison.
2. What are the most common flavors found in Petit Verdot wine?
The most common flavors found in Petit Verdot wines are black fruit flavors such as blackberry and black cherry, along with notes of spice and pepper.
3. Is Petit Verdot a rare grape variety?
Petit Verdot is a relatively rare grape variety and accounts for only 1-2% of the vineyard area in Bordeaux. However, it is grown in other regions like California and Australia.
4. How long can a Petit Verdot wine age?
A wine containing Petit Verdot can be aged for up to 20 years, and the wine will develop a smoother and more complex character over time.
5. Can Petit Verdot be made into a varietal wine?
Yes, Petit Verdot is sometimes made as a varietal wine in regions like Australia and Chile.
Image Credit: Pexels