Is Petit Verdot the Secret Ingredient Behind Award-Winning Wines?
If you’re a wine lover, you’ve probably heard of Petit Verdot. But, do you know what makes this grape variety so special? Many wine experts agree that Petit Verdot can add complexity and depth to a blend, elevating it to award-winning status. In this blog post, we’ll explore why Petit Verdot is often seen as the secret ingredient behind award-winning wines.
Table of Contents
- The History of Petit Verdot
- The Characteristics of Petit Verdot
- The Role of Petit Verdot in Blending
- Examples of Award-Winning Wines Featuring Petit Verdot
- The Future of Petit Verdot in the Wine World
The History of Petit Verdot
Like many grape varieties, the origins of Petit Verdot are shrouded in mystery. Some experts believe that it originated in the Bordeaux region of France, while others claim it originated in Spain or Italy.
Despite its uncertain origins, Petit Verdot has been grown in the Bordeaux region for centuries. It was traditionally used as a blending grape, adding structure and tannins to Bordeaux blends. However, its popularity faded in the 20th century as winemakers began to favor grapes that ripened earlier in the season and were easier to cultivate.
In the 21st century, Petit Verdot has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Winemakers in Bordeaux and beyond are rediscovering the unique qualities of Petit Verdot, using it to add complexity and depth to their blends.
The Characteristics of Petit Verdot
So, what makes Petit Verdot so special? Here are a few key characteristics:
- Intense color: Petit Verdot grapes have a thick skin that gives them a deep, dark color. This color adds depth and richness to a wine.
- High tannins: Petit Verdot grapes are very tannic, giving wines made from this grape variety a firm structure and the potential for aging.
- Floral notes: Despite being a relatively powerful grape, Petit Verdot also has floral aromas, such as violets and lavender.
- Peppery flavors: Petit Verdot can add spicy, peppery notes to a wine.
These qualities make Petit Verdot an excellent candidate for blending with other grapes. By adding depth, structure, and complexity to a blend, Petit Verdot can take a wine from good to great.
The Role of Petit Verdot in Blending
Petit Verdot is often used as a blending grape, but what exactly does that mean?
In winemaking, it’s common for different grape varieties to be blended together. This can be done for a variety of reasons – to balance out flavors, to add complexity, or simply to create a unique flavor profile. By blending grapes with different characteristics, winemakers can create wines that are greater than the sum of their parts.
When it comes to Petit Verdot, winemakers often blend it with other Bordeaux varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. By adding a small amount of Petit Verdot – usually around 5-10% of the total blend – winemakers can add structure, complexity, and color to the wine.
One of the benefits of using Petit Verdot in a blend is that it can add aging potential to the wine. Because of its high tannin levels, Petit Verdot can give a wine the structure it needs to age gracefully over time.
Another benefit of using Petit Verdot is that it can help to balance out the fruit flavors in a blend. For example, if a wine is too fruity, adding Petit Verdot can help to give it more depth and complexity.
Examples of Award-Winning Wines Featuring Petit Verdot
Now that we’ve explored the characteristics and blending potential of Petit Verdot, let’s take a look at some examples of award-winning wines that feature this grape:
Château Margaux 2015
This French wine from the Bordeaux region is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. It was named Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator in 2018.
Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
This Australian wine is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Petit Verdot. It received a score of 98 points from Wine Advocate.
Viñedo Chadwick 2014
This Chilean wine is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Carmenere. It was named the top wine in the prestigious Berlin Tasting event in 2004.
Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
This Californian wine is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Petit Verdot. It received a score of 96 points from Wine Advocate.
These are just a few examples of the many award-winning wines that feature Petit Verdot. As you can see, this grape has played a role in creating some of the most celebrated wines in the world.
The Future of Petit Verdot in the Wine World
So, what does the future hold for Petit Verdot?
Many wine experts believe that Petit Verdot will continue to play an important role in winemaking. As winemakers seek to create more complex and interesting blends, Petit Verdot offers a unique set of qualities that can enhance a wine’s structure, color, and aging potential.
However, the use of Petit Verdot is not without its challenges. Because it ripens later than other Bordeaux varieties, it can be difficult to cultivate in certain regions. Additionally, because it can be so powerful, it can be easy to overdo it – using too much Petit Verdot in a blend can overwhelm other flavors and aromas.
Despite these challenges, it’s clear that Petit Verdot will continue to be an important player in the wine world. Whether it’s used in a classic Bordeaux blend or a more experimental one, Petit Verdot offers winemakers unique opportunities to create wines that are complex, age-worthy, and delicious.
In Conclusion
Petit Verdot is a grape variety that is often seen as the secret ingredient behind award-winning wines. Its intense color, high tannins, floral notes, and peppery flavors make it an excellent candidate for blending with other Bordeaux varieties. By adding complexity, depth, and structure to a blend, Petit Verdot can take a wine to the next level.
While the use of Petit Verdot is not without its challenges, it’s clear that this grape will continue to play an important role in the wine world. Whether it’s used in classic Bordeaux blends or more experimental ones, Petit Verdot offers winemakers unique opportunities to create wines that are truly special.
FAQs
What foods pair well with Petit Verdot?
Because of its high tannin levels, Petit Verdot pairs well with hearty, rich foods. Some good options include steak, lamb, and beef stew.
What other Bordeaux varieties are commonly blended with Petit Verdot?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc are the most common Bordeaux varieties that are blended with Petit Verdot.
What is the best temperature to serve a wine that features Petit Verdot?
Generally, wines made from Petit Verdot should be served at around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can Petit Verdot be grown in regions outside of Bordeaux?
Yes, Petit Verdot can be grown in other regions, but it can be difficult to cultivate because it ripens later than other Bordeaux varieties.
Is Petit Verdot a red or white grape?
Petit Verdot is a red grape.
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