Grape · Bordeaux, France
Petit Verdot
puh-TEE vair-DOH
Bordeaux's late spice
A seasoning grape in Médoc blends: color, violet, and tannin. In warmer climates it ripens fully and can stand alone.
- violet
- spice
- black fruit
- ink
- cedar
Profile
Bodyhigh
Acidmedium
Tanninhigh
Sugardry
Petit Verdot ripens too late for many Bordeaux vintages, so it is a 1–5% blender when it makes it in. Virginia, Spain, Australia, and Chile can ripen it to a varietal wine: inky, floral, and firmly tannic.
Think of it as Cabernet's stricter cousin. Food is required.
Grilled steak, pepper sauce, and hard cheese.
At the table
Service
61–64 °F (16–18 °C). Decant.
