Petit Verdot

Petit Verdot is a distinct variety of red wine grape, traditionally cultivated in the Bordeaux region of France. Its name, translating to 'small green' in English, alludes to the grape's propensity for developing and ripening irregularly and late in the season. Notwithstanding the climatic challenges, when perfectly ripened, Petit Verdot rewards wine producers with an extraordinarily intense and flavourful wine.

The grapes are small and thick-skinned, thereby possessing a high ratio of pigment and tannin, which significantly contribute to its colour and structure. Petit Verdot is characteristically recognised by its bold colours ranging from deep purple to nearly black, and the high-tannin content gifts the wine an assertive structure with ageing potential.

In terms of flavour, Petit Verdot is often associated with notes ranging from dark fruits like blackberry and plum, to more aromatic layers of violet, vanilla, and liquorice. It can even possess hints of earthy and herbaceous tones. The dense fruit character coupled with the high-tannin content crafts a wine that draws enthusiasts who enjoy potent and ambitious wines.

However, owing to its fickle nature, Petit Verdot’s role has majorly been confined to a supporting variety in the traditional Bordeaux blend, used sparingly to boost colour, depth, and complexity. But of late, it has increasingly found fame as a standalone varietal or dominant blend outside of France, particularly in warmer growing regions globally, such as California, Australia, and Argentina.

Despite its minimal use in France nowadays, Petit Verdot's resurgence on the international wine scene is partly attributed to winemakers recognising its potential in warmer climates. Under sunny skies, its mercurial nature is tamed, allowing for a more consistent and pleasurable yield. Ultimately, while Petit Verdot may not occupy the limelight as much as other varietal types, its captivating complexity and robust character should not be underestimated by any wine enthusiast.

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