Petit Verdot grape variety

Petit Verdot is a red grape variety that originates from Bordeaux, but is now mainly cultivated in Australia and South America due to its high climatic requirements. The wines are full-bodied, with high tannins and high acidity. Petit Verdot wines typically show aromas of dark fruits such as blackcurrant and plum, complemented by notes of spice and tobacco. The grape is traditionally used in cuvees to give wines a deeper colour and structure. However, it is rarely found as a single variety. Blends with Petit Verdot are suitable accompaniments to strong meat and game dishes due to their strong, intense flavour. However, the wines often require a long ageing period to round off the tannins and become more accessible.