Petit Verdot

Petit Verdot is a variety of thick-skinned red wine grape that is primarily grown in the Bordeaux region, but has recently attracted wine makers from California, Australia, Washington State, and New Zealand. It ripens later than other varieties in the region, often; too late which is why it fell out of favor in Bordeaux. Upon ripening, Petit Verdot is added in small amounts to add tannin, color, and flavor. When grown in the New World, it tends to ripen more reliably and has been made into single varietal wines. When blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, it stiffens the mid palate. When young, Petit Verdot has banana and pencil shaving aromas with strong tones of violet and leather as it matures and develops. The mouth-gripping tannins are so powerful that they can often leave the palate with a strong puckering sensation. The aroma is equally strong encompassing leather, earth, and cigar box and smoke tones. On the palette, the taste is peppery with notes of spice, smoke, and minerals. Because of the high tannin levels, the wine requires long oak aging. This softens the final fruit sensation in Petit Verdot. Because of the levels of tannin in Petit Verdot, it has the potential to age for decades.