Petit Verdot is most famously associated with the Bordeaux blend, and is added to the blend to increase the tannin, colour and flavour.
You’ll find my Top 10 Petit Verdot reviews and ratings here.
5 Surprising Facts about Petit Verdot:
1. It usually only makes up 1-3% of the Bordeaux blend, which also includes the grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The exception is Chateau Palmer, in which it is 6% of the blend due to the vineyard’s microclimate.
2. Petit Verdot can be a problem vine, as it ripens late in the season, if at all. It has an unusual two grape clusters per shoot, but can be extremely unreliable.
3. The only place Petit Verdot has been known to thrive is in Portugal’s Alentejo region due to the warm climatic conditions.
4. Although France is the original home of the Bordeaux blend (also called a Meritage), many New World countries have adopted the mix of grapes as well including the US, Canada, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia.
Petit Verdot is a red grape also known as Bouton, Carmelin, Heran, Lambrusquet Noir and Petit Verdau, depending on where its grown.
5. Petit Verdot has leather and violet aromas, but can also give off a banana scent when young. Although it is rare to see this varietal on its own, if you should come across it, let it age for minimum 5 years and pair it with a pork belly or a juicy strip loin. Researched by Lesley Quinn.
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