Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The History of Petit Verdot
3. The Characteristics of Petit Verdot
4. Winemaking with Petit Verdot
5. Petit Verdot Varietals
6. Award-Winning Wines with Petit Verdot
7. FAQ
8. Key Takeaways

Is Petit Verdot the Secret Weapon for Crafting Award-Winning Wines?

For wine enthusiasts, there are few sensations quite like uncorking a bottle of award-winning wine. But what is it that makes some wines stand out from the rest? For a long time, wine experts have been trying to identify the key factors behind a wine’s success. They’ve looked at everything from the soil where the grapes are grown, to the winemaking process, and more.

One factor that is often overlooked in this conversation is the varietal of grape used. Different grapes produce different flavors, aromas, and textures. Some grapes have become famous for their contributions to certain styles of wine. But have you ever heard of Petit Verdot?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Petit Verdot, its characteristics, and why it might just be the secret weapon for crafting award-winning wines.

The History of Petit Verdot

Petit Verdot is a red wine grape that originated in the Bordeaux region of France. The name “Petit Verdot” means “little green” in French, referring to the fact that the grape takes longer to ripen than other Bordeaux varietals. Though it was once a popular blending grape in Bordeaux, today it is most often used in small amounts to add complexity to blends.

In Bordeaux, Petit Verdot was traditionally used as a minor grape in the region’s famous blends. However, in recent years, winemakers around the world have started to experiment with Petit Verdot as a standalone varietal.

Some of the earliest Petit Verdot plantings outside of Bordeaux were in Australia. The mild climate and long growing season made it an ideal location to experiment with the grape. Australian winemakers planted Petit Verdot alongside other Bordeaux varietals and used it to add depth and complexity to their blends.

The Characteristics of Petit Verdot

So, what makes Petit Verdot special? There are a few key factors:

• Intensity of flavor – Petit Verdot has a very intense flavor profile. It is often described as “inky” or “brawny,” with notes of dark fruit, black pepper, and sometimes even a hint of coffee or chocolate. Petit Verdot is not a subtle grape.
• Deep color – One of the reasons Petit Verdot is so prized as a blending grape is because it adds a rich, deep color to the wine. The grape’s thick skin and abundance of pigment are what give it this characteristic.
• High tannins – Tannins are the compounds in wine that give it structure and help it age. Petit Verdot is known for having particularly high levels of tannins.

These characteristics make Petit Verdot a great addition to blends, but they also make it a grape that can stand on its own as a varietal. Petit Verdot wines tend to be full-bodied and intense, with a long finish.

Winemaking with Petit Verdot

If you’re going to make wine with Petit Verdot, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

• Pick the grapes at the right time – As we mentioned earlier, Petit Verdot takes longer to ripen than other Bordeaux varietals. If you pick the grapes too early, they won’t have the intensity of flavor that makes Petit Verdot special. If you pick them too late, they can become overripe and lose some of their structure.
• Be gentle during the winemaking process – The thick skins and high tannin levels of Petit Verdot make it a grape that can be challenging to work with. To avoid extracting too many harsh tannins, winemakers need to be careful during the fermentation process.
• Consider blending with other varietals – While Petit Verdot can make a delicious standalone wine, it is still most often used as a blending grape. Many winemakers will blend Petit Verdot with other Bordeaux varietals, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to add depth and complexity.

When done right, Petit Verdot can produce wines that are truly special.

Petit Verdot Varietals

These days, Petit Verdot is grown in many different wine regions around the world. Here are a few notable examples:

Each region and producer brings its own style and interpretation to Petit Verdot. Some focus on blending the grape into their Bordeaux-style wines, while others use it as a standalone varietal. Regardless of how it’s used, Petit Verdot has proven to be a versatile grape that can produce award-winning wines in a variety of styles.

Award-Winning Wines with Petit Verdot

Speaking of awards, let’s take a look at some of the incredible wines that have been crafted with Petit Verdot. Here are just a few examples:

Château Palmer 2005 – This Bordeaux blend from Margaux received a perfect 100-point score from Robert Parker, who called it “one of the greatest Bordeaux of the vintage.” Petit Verdot makes up just 6% of the blend, helping to add structure and complexity to the wine.

Penfolds Bin 707 – Penfolds is one of the most famous wineries in Australia, and their Bin 707 blend is a flagship wine for the brand. The 2016 vintage won the coveted Jimmy Watson Trophy at the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards. Petit Verdot makes up just 4% of the blend, but it adds an intense richness to the wine.

Vermeil Wines Scout’s Honor – This California blend from Napa Valley has been a consistent award winner over the years. The 2017 vintage won a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Petit Verdot makes up just 8% of the blend, but it adds a deep color and velvety texture to the wine.

Catena Alta Historic Rows – This Argentinian blend from Mendoza is a true standout. The 2017 vintage received a 96-point score from James Suckling. Petit Verdot makes up just 4% of the blend, but it adds spicy, herbaceous notes that are a perfect complement to the dark fruit flavors of the Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

These are just a few examples of the incredible wines that can be crafted with Petit Verdot. Whether used as a standalone varietal or blended with other grapes, Petit Verdot has proven time and time again that it has what it takes to make award-winning wines.

FAQ

What does Petit Verdot taste like?

Petit Verdot has an intense flavor profile that is often described as “inky” or “brawny.” It has notes of dark fruit, black pepper, and sometimes even a hint of coffee or chocolate.

Why is Petit Verdot used in blending?

Petit Verdot is sometimes used in blending because it adds depth and complexity to the wine. It has a high tannin content and can add rich color and intense flavors to the blend.

Can Petit Verdot be used as a standalone varietal?

Yes, Petit Verdot can be used as a standalone varietal. However, it is still most often used in small amounts as part of a blend.

What foods pair well with Petit Verdot?

Petit Verdot pairs well with hearty, flavorful foods. Try it with grilled steak, roasted lamb, or dark chocolate desserts.

Key Takeaways

We hope this post has helped shed some light on the unique qualities of Petit Verdot and why it might just be the secret weapon for crafting award-winning wines. Here are a few key takeaways:

• Petit Verdot is a red wine grape that originated in Bordeaux.
• It is known for its intense flavor profile, deep color, and high tannin content.
• Petit Verdot can be a challenging grape to work with during winemaking, but when done right, it can produce truly special wines.
• It is a versatile grape that is used both in blends and as a standalone varietal.
• Petit Verdot has been a key component of many award-winning wines around the world.