Is Petit Verdot the Secret Ingredient in Award-Winning Wines?
When it comes to award-winning wines, we often hear about the most popular grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. But, have you ever heard of Petit Verdot? This lesser-known grape variety is often used as a blending grape in Bordeaux-style blends, but some wineries are starting to give this grape a starring role in their wine production. In this blog post, we will explore the potential of Petit Verdot as a “secret ingredient” in award-winning wines.
Table of Contents:
– What is Petit Verdot?
– Petit Verdot’s role in Bordeaux blends
– Petit Verdot as a standalone grape variety
– Regions where Petit Verdot prosper
– Award-winning wines featuring Petit Verdot
– The Future of Petit Verdot in the Wine Industry
– Conclusion
– FAQ
What is Petit Verdot?
Petit Verdot, which translates in English to little green one, is a red wine grape variety that is known for its deep, almost black colour. It is believed to have originated in Bordeaux, France, and is primarily grown in warm climates. The grape variety is known for its high tannin and acidity levels, making it an excellent grape for blending.
Petit Verdot’s Role in Bordeaux Blends
Petit Verdot is one of the five primary red wine grape varieties used in Bordeaux-style blends. The other four are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. In Bordeaux blends, Petit Verdot is typically only used in small amounts, typically 1% to 5% of the final blend. Its high acidity and tannin levels provide structure and depth to the wine, while its dark colour adds richness and complexity.
Petit Verdot as a Standalone Grape Variety
While Petit Verdot is often used as a blending grape, some wineries are starting to experiment with using it as a standalone grape variety. These wines, often referred to as single varietal Petit Verdot, are becoming increasingly popular amongst wine enthusiasts. These wines are typically full-bodied, with a deep, dark colour and a flavour profile that includes dark fruit, spice and floral notes. They are known for their intensity and ageability.
Regions Where Petit Verdot Prospers
Due to its high tannin and acidity levels, Petit Verdot thrives in warm climates. It is primarily grown in regions with warm daytime temperatures and cool nights. Some of the regions where Petit Verdot is most commonly grown include:
– Bordeaux, France: As mentioned earlier, Bordeaux is where Petit Verdot has its roots. While it is primarily used as a blending grape in Bordeaux, some wineries are starting to experiment with using it as a standalone grape variety.
– Australia: The warm climate in regions such as Margaret River and McLaren Vale make it ideal for growing Petit Verdot. Wineries in these regions are starting to produce award-winning Petit Verdot wines.
– California, USA: While California is most well-known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, wineries such as John Anthony Vineyards are producing award-winning Petit Verdot wines.
– Chile: The Colchagua Valley in Chile is known for producing high-quality Petit Verdot wines.
Award-Winning Wines Featuring Petit Verdot
While it may not be as well-known as some other grape varieties, Petit Verdot has been a key ingredient in some award-winning wines. Here are a few examples:
– Château Palmer: One of the premier wineries in Bordeaux, France, Château Palmer uses Petit Verdot as a blending grape in its award-winning wines.
– Bodega Catena Zapata: This Argentinian winery produces an award-winning Petit Verdot in the Mendoza region.
– Duckhorn Vineyards: Located in California’s Napa Valley, Duckhorn Vineyards produces an award-winning Petit Verdot wine.
– Mount Pleasant Winery: This Missouri-based winery produces an award-winning Petit Verdot wine.
The Future of Petit Verdot in the Wine Industry
As Petit Verdot gains more attention from winemakers and wine enthusiasts alike, it is likely that we will start to see more wineries experimenting with using it as a standalone grape variety. Its high tannin and acidity levels make it an excellent grape for ageing, which could result in some truly remarkable wines in the future.
Conclusion
Petit Verdot is a grape variety that has long been used as a blending grape in Bordeaux-style blends, but it is just starting to get recognition as a standalone grape variety. Its high tannin and acidity levels make it an excellent grape for adding structure and depth to wines, which is why it has been an important ingredient in award-winning wines. As wineries start to experiment with using it as a standalone grape variety, we may start to see an increase in the production of high-quality Petit Verdot wines.
FAQ
Q: What does Petit Verdot taste like?
A: Petit Verdot is known for its dark fruit, spice and floral notes. It is a full-bodied wine with a deep, rich colour.
Q: Why is Petit Verdot not as well-known as other grape varieties?
A: Petit Verdot is primarily used as a blending grape, which means it is often overshadowed by other grape varieties that are more commonly used as standalone grape varieties.
Q: What foods pair well with Petit Verdot?
A: Petit Verdot pairs well with bold, flavourful dishes such as grilled meats, stews and hearty pasta dishes.
Q: Where can I find award-winning Petit Verdot wines?
A: Award-winning Petit Verdot wines can be found in a variety of regions, including Bordeaux, France, Australia, California and Chile.
Q: Is Petit Verdot a popular grape with consumers?
A: While Petit Verdot may not be as well-known as other grape varieties, it is gaining popularity with wine enthusiasts who are looking for something new and exciting to try.
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