Wine Profile: All About Petit Verdot

Jason McClain

Intriguing. If there were just one word to describe Petit Verdot wine (or its grapes) that would be it. With its abundance of unique aromas, flavors, and exquisite boldness, it would most certainly be intriguing. This wine type hails from Southwestern France, mainly in the Bordeaux region. These specific grapes are also highly sought after for their amazing blending capabilities. The red wine that is thus produced provides a taste, and an experience, unparalleled to most of its counterparts. I’ll tell you all about Petit Verdot and what you are missing if you are not partaking.

History of Petit Verdot:

Although the exact origins of Petit Verdot are somewhat unclear, from what we know, this particular grape was probably conceived by crossing a Tressot grape with a Duras grape. Interestingly, it is also believed to be one of the very first varieties to be planted by the ancient Romans in Bordeaux.

The Making Of Petit Verdot:

There are several regions in Spain, Chile, Australia, as well as the states of California and Washington that produce single varietal Petit Verdot wine. However, it is most commonly blended into Bordeaux varieties at 10%. This is typically due to it being the last harvested grape in the vineyard. This is sometimes up to two weeks after our commonly known late bloomer – cabernet sauvignon. These factors surely contribute to the boldness and high tannins of this very special vino.

Petit Verdots’ Flavor Profile:

Now, time for the most important aspect of our guide to “All About Petit Verdot”. Its amazingly captivating characteristics and flavor profile! Many different flavors, some contrasting, manage to meld together. It carries aromas of lilac, plum, violet, and sage. These notes are blended with succulently rich fruity flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and light notes of black cherry. This specific wine is more than capable of standing alone in its superiority and uniqueness.

Petit Verdot Wine Pairings:

And, you simply can’t have a glass of wine this good without a perfect pairing…at least not in my house! Thanks in large, to its unusual smoky finish, this red wine goes well with dishes that have earthy undertones. This includes those that contain mushrooms, black beans, kidney beans, trifles, and eggplant. Aged cheeses are another exemplary sidekick to a lovely glass of Petit Verdot. And, you can never go wrong with a sweet and fruity dish to enhance the fruity-licious flavors of the wine.

Petit Verdots’ complex flavor, aroma profile, and higher-than-usual tannins may not be for everyone. That doesn’t mean, thankfully, that you have to be deprived of this wonderful grape. Try picking up a blended Bordeaux which all but eliminates the extra bite. You really won’t know until you try it! Plus, now that you know all about Petit Verdot, you know what to expect. Trust me, this particular wine is more than worth at least a try – you just might fall in love.

Cheers!

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Jason McClain

As the proprietor of McClain Cellars, I am thrilled to finally do the one thing I have always loved the most. Create amazing wines to be shared with my family and friends. After spending 25 years in the dot-com space, my wife Sofia and I decided to throw caution to the wind and focus on what is really important: family, friends, faith and freedom. These are the pillars of this winery and why I love everything about it.

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