Wine Encyclopedia/Red Grapes/Petit Verdot
Red WineBordeaux, France

Petit Verdot

A late-ripening Bordeaux variety used as a 'seasoning' grape in blends, adding color, tannin, and violet aromatics. Climate change has enabled more single-varietal bottlings.

BodyFull
AcidityHigh
TanninsHigh
SweetnessDry
๐Ÿ‡
๐Ÿ’ก

Petit Verdot means 'little green one' in French, referring to the grape's difficulty ripening in Bordeaux's cool climate.

๐Ÿ‘ƒ Tasting Notes

Primary Flavors

BlackberryPlumBlack cherry

Secondary Flavors

VioletSageDark chocolateLeather

Aromas

VioletsPencil shavingsSmoke

๐ŸŒ Famous Wine Regions

Bordeaux

France
Seasoning blends

Traditional blending grape, rarely over 5% of blend

Napa Valley

USA
Standalone wines

Warmer climate allows full ripening, single varietals

Australia

Australia
Full expression

Success in warm regions, bold style

Spain

Spain
Modern plantings

Growing popularity in warm Spanish regions

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Perfect Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye
Lamb shank
Hard aged cheeses
Dark chocolate
Venison

๐ŸŒก๏ธ Serving Guide

Temperature

16-18ยฐC (61-65ยฐF)

Glass Type

Large Bordeaux glass

Decanting

1-2 hours

โณ Aging Potential

5-20 years

All Grape Varieties