Petit Verdot is a variety of red wine grape, principally used in classic Bordeaux blends. It ripens much later than the other varieties in Bordeaux, often too late, so it fell out of favour in its home region. When it does ripen it adds tannin, colour and flavour, in small amounts, to the blend. Petit verdot has attracted attention among winemakers in the New World, where it ripens more reliably and has been made into single varietal wine. It is also useful in 'stiffening' the mid palate of Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

When young its aromas have been likened to banana and pencil shavings. Strong tones of violet and leather develop as it matures.

History

thumb|200px|right|A glass of Petit Verdot

Petit Verdot probably predates Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux, but its origins are unclear. There are records of it in the eighteenth century, but its characteristics suggest an origin in much hotter climes than the Gironde. It is likely that it originates from the Pyrénées-Atlantiques where it was possibly domesticated from wild grapevines.

It is one parent of Tressot, the other parent being Duras, a grape from the upper Tarn valley near Toulouse. It's possible that both were brought to the region by the Romans as they moved inland from the Mediterranean.

Distribution and wines

left|thumb|Petit Verdot leaf

Argentina

There are some blocks of Petit Verdot in Argentina, although for many years it was labelled as Fer.

Australia

Verdot was included in James Busby's collection of 1832, and it was trialled by Sir William Macarthur in the 1840s.

Portugal

In Portugal it is sometime cultivated in Alentejo with great results due to this region's specific climatic conditions.

United States

The profusion of Meritage Bordeaux blends has seen considerable interest in the variety in California, where there was 360 ha in 2003. The more consistent, warmer climate is a big help in reliably ripening the grape, and producers are starting to experiment with single varietals. It is also planted in Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Texas, Michigan, Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, New Mexico, and Washington.

In addition to the countries above, Petit Verdot is used as 'seasoning' in Bordeaux-style blends in British Columbia, New Zealand, South Africa and Spain.

Vine and viticulture

The leaves have three to five lobes with a distinctively elongated central lobe. The small, cylindrical bunches are winged, with small black berries.

See also

  • Bordeaux wine

References

Citations

General and cited sources

Further reading

  • Robinson, Jancis (1986). Vines, Grapes & Wines. Mitchell Beazley. .
  • Great overview from a South African producers magazine
  • Petit Verdot on the rise in Bordeaux from decanter.com