Petit Verdot: The Bold Bordeaux Blend That Dares to Stand Alone
Petit Verdot, often a supporting player in Bordeaux blends, is a grape that's increasingly stepping into the spotlight. With its inky color, intense aromas, and powerful structure, Petit Verdot offers a captivating experience for those seeking bold and age-worthy wines.
A Bordeaux Heritage:
Petit Verdot has a long history in Bordeaux, where it's one of the six permitted grape varieties in red blends. However, its late ripening and susceptibility to frost have limited its plantings in the region. Traditionally, Petit Verdot adds depth, color, and tannin to Bordeaux blends, contributing notes of violet, spice, and graphite.
A New World Star:
While Petit Verdot plays a supporting role in Bordeaux, it has found greater prominence in New World wine regions, where warmer climates allow it to fully ripen and express its unique character.
- California: California has embraced Petit Verdot, with plantings increasing in recent years. The warm, sunny climate allows the grape to achieve optimal ripeness, resulting in wines with rich fruit flavors, firm tannins, and a velvety texture.
- Australia: Australia is another hotbed for Petit Verdot, particularly in warmer regions like McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley. Australian Petit Verdot wines are often full-bodied and concentrated, with notes of black fruit, spice, and licorice.
- Washington State: Washington State's warm days and cool nights provide ideal conditions for Petit Verdot, producing wines with balanced acidity, ripe tannins, and complex aromas.
Flavors of Petit Verdot:
Petit Verdot wines are known for their intense color, full body, and captivating aromas.
- Fruit: Expect a symphony of dark fruit flavors, such as blackberry, blueberry, and plum, often with notes of cassis and black currant.
- Spice: Petit Verdot often exhibits vibrant spice notes, including black pepper, clove, and licorice.
- Floral: Delicate floral aromas, such as violet and lavender, can add complexity and lift.
- Earth: Earthy notes, like graphite, tobacco, and leather, contribute to the wine's depth and structure.
Food Pairing Adventures:
Petit Verdot's bold flavors and firm tannins make it an ideal match for hearty dishes.
- Grilled meats: Steak, lamb chops, and game meats stand up beautifully to the wine's tannins.
- Roasted vegetables: The wine's spice notes complement the earthy flavors of roasted vegetables.
- Hearty stews: Petit Verdot's complexity and structure pair well with rich stews and braised meats.
- Aged cheeses: The wine's bold flavors stand up to strong cheeses, such as cheddar and blue cheese.
Exploring Petit Verdot:
Ready to embark on a Petit Verdot adventure? Seek out wines from these producers:
- Justin Vineyards & Winery (California): Known for its Bordeaux-style blends and single-varietal Petit Verdot.
- Mollydooker Wines (Australia): This McLaren Vale winery produces a bold and expressive "The Boxer" Petit Verdot.
- Seven Hills Winery (Washington State): This Walla Walla winery crafts elegant and age-worthy Petit Verdot.
Uncorking the Boldness:
Petit Verdot, with its distinctive character and captivating flavors, is a grape that's stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight. So, venture beyond the familiar and discover the unique delights of this bold variety. Cheers to new discoveries!
