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.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Petit Verdot wine

How can the typical flavour profile of Petit Verdot be described?

Petit Verdot is famous for its deep dark, almost purple colour and intense bouquet. Flavours of black fruits such as blackberry, plum and blueberry are typical. What makes it special, however, are its floral notes, especially violet and lilac, paired with spicy accents of graphite, dark chocolate and sage.

What is the structure of Petit Verdot in terms of tannins and acidity?

This grape variety is not for the faint-hearted! Petit Verdot has a considerable tannin structure (tannins) and a surprisingly lively acidity. This makes it very present in the mouth and gives it a powerful, almost muscular backbone. When harvested fully ripe, however, the tannins appear ripe and grainy rather than aggressive.

Is a Petit Verdot wine dry or sweet?

A Petit Verdot is almost exclusively vinified bone-dry. However, due to the intense fruit concentration and the often higher alcohol content (due to the late ripening), it can suggest a certain "sweetness" or fullness on the palate, although the residual sugar content is minimal.

In which wine regions worldwide does Petit Verdot grow best?

The vine originally comes from Bordeaux (France), where it often has difficulties reaching full maturity. This is why it now shines in sun-drenched regions such as Spain (Toledo/La Mancha), Australia, California, South Africa and the Maremma in Tuscany. There it gets the warmth it needs to develop its full potential.

What influence does the climate have on the maturation of Petit Verdot?

The name says it all: "Petit Verdot" means "the little green one". This is because the variety ripens very late. In cool years, it often remains green and unripe. It needs a long, warm autumn to transform the hard acids into sugar and the green tannins into silky structures.

What food pairing is recommended for a strong Petit Verdot?

Due to its high tannins, Petit Verdot needs a partner with fat and protein to buffer its structure. Braised lamb shanks, grilled beef steak or game dishes with dark sauces are perfect. Spicy hard cheeses (such as old Manchego or Cheddar) also harmonise excellently.

How does Petit Verdot differ in flavour from Cabernet Sauvignon?

Although both are powerful, Petit Verdot is often darker in colour and shows more floral nuances (violets) than Cabernet, which is more focused on cassis and peppers. In addition, Petit Verdot often appears "heavier" on the palate and has a more pronounced acidity.

Discover more grape varieties for red wines.

Gamay

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Grenache

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Lagrein

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Mourvèdre/Monastrell

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Pinot Noir

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Schwarzriesling

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Discover more grape varieties for white wines.

Aligoté

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Garganega

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Müller-Thurgau)

Müller-Thurgau is a white variety that is mainly cultivated in Germany and Austria. The wines are light to medium-bodied, with moderate acidity and a strong flavour, usually with a typical muscat tone. Müller-Thurgau wines are usually dry or semi-dry and vinified in steel tanks.

Riesling

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Verdicchio

Verdicchio is a very old white grape variety from Italy, which is mainly cultivated in central Italy. The grapes produce dry to semi-dry white wines with a light yellow colour and a fresh, fruity taste. The flavours are reminiscent of green apples, pears, citrus fruits and hay meadows.

Weißburgunder

The Pinot Blanc grape - called Pinot Blanc in France and Pinot Bianco in Italy - is the lightest-coloured member of the large Burgundy family. The variety produces fresh, fruity wines whose acidity can vary from moderate to strong depending on the style and which develop delicate fruit flavours such as apples, pears or citrus fruits, often complemented by nutty notes such as almonds.

You can find information on other grape varieties here.