Everything About Petit-Verdot Grape
"puh-TEE ver-DOH" 
Petit-Verdot Description
Origin: South West France
History: Petit Verdot is a red wine grape variety that originated in South West France, notably in the Bordeaux region. Its name translates to 'little green one,' likely due to its tendency to ripen later than other Bordeaux varieties, often resulting in under-ripe berries in cooler climates. This late ripening made it less favorable in Bordeaux, leading to a decline in plantings. However, Petit Verdot has found success in warmer wine regions, such as Australia, California, and South America, where the climate allows for full ripening, producing wines with deep color, robust tannins, and rich flavors.
Appearance: Small, thick-skinned berries with a deep blue-black hue.
Growing Traits: Petit Verdot is a late-ripening variety that thrives in warm climates. Its small, thick-skinned berries contribute to wines with deep color and high tannin content. The grape's late ripening can be a challenge in cooler regions, often leading to under-ripe fruit if the growing season is not long enough.
Food Pairing Petit Verdot's full body, high tannins, and rich flavor profile make it an excellent match for hearty dishes. It pairs well with grilled or roasted meats, such as lamb, beef, and game. Its bold character complements rich stews, barbecued ribs, and aged cheeses. Herb-infused dishes, especially those with rosemary or sage, also harmonize with its complex flavors.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Full-bodied with a robust and structured profile, offering depth and intensity. Typically vinified dry, though it can exhibit ripe fruit characteristics. High tannin levels, contributing to a firm and age-worthy structure. Medium to high acidity, providing freshness and balance to its bold character. Moderate to high alcohol content, generally around 13-14%, contributing to its robust nature.
Blackberry 
Plum 
Violet 
Sage 
Vanilla Petit Verdot wines are characterized by intense aromas of blackberry and plum, complemented by floral notes of violet and herbal hints of sage. On the palate, they are full-bodied with firm tannins, offering flavors of dark fruits, spice, and often a touch of vanilla from oak aging. The finish is typically long and structured, indicating good aging potential.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/france.png)
France
•Bordeaux
![[object Object] Region](/regions/australia.png)
Australia
•McLaren Vale
![[object Object] Region](/regions/united_states.png)
United States
•California
•Virginia
![[object Object] Region](/regions/argentina.png)
Argentina
•Mendoza
Notable Wines and Producers
Château Palmer
•Château Palmer
Pirramimma Petit Verdot
•Pirramimma
Domaine Valensac Petit Verdot
•Domaine Valensac
Petit-Verdot FAQ
South West France
Petit-Verdot has a body level of 4 out of 5. Which means that Petit-Verdot is Moderate to Full bodied.
Petit-Verdot has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Petit-Verdot is Dry.
South West France
Petit-Verdot is grown in France (Bordeaux)Australia (McLaren Vale)United States (California, Virginia)Argentina (Mendoza).
Petit Verdot wines are characterized by intense aromas of blackberry and plum, complemented by floral notes of violet and herbal hints of sage. On the palate, they are full-bodied with firm tannins, offering flavors of dark fruits, spice, and often a touch of vanilla from oak aging. The finish is typically long and structured, indicating good aging potential.
Petit Verdot's full body, high tannins, and rich flavor profile make it an excellent match for hearty dishes. It pairs well with grilled or roasted meats, such as lamb, beef, and game. Its bold character complements rich stews, barbecued ribs, and aged cheeses. Herb-infused dishes, especially those with rosemary or sage, also harmonize with its complex flavors.
Petit Verdot wines are characterized by intense aromas of blackberry and plum, complemented by floral notes of violet and herbal hints of sage. On the palate, they are full-bodied with firm tannins, offering flavors of dark fruits, spice, and often a touch of vanilla from oak aging. The finish is typically long and structured, indicating good aging potential.