The Wine Reference🍷 SupportPetit Verdot grape
Petit Verdot is a red grape known for blackberry, violet, spice. Its best-known homes are Bordeaux, Australia.
Origin and history
An old Bordeaux variety, recorded there since at least the 18th century; it ripens so late that Bordeaux growers use it only in small amounts.
Where it grows
Bordeaux (Médoc), Spain, Australia (Riverina, McLaren Vale), Virginia, California, Washington, Chile and Argentina.
Structure
Full body, very deep colour, high acidity and high, firm tannins.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: blackberry, blueberry, violet, sage and spice. With age: leather, cedar, tobacco and dried black fruit.
Ageing
Varietal wines best within 3–10 years; as part of top Bordeaux blends, it helps them age 20 years or more.
Good to know
In the Médoc it usually makes up only 2–5% of a blend, adding colour, tannin and spice, but in warm climates it ripens fully and is bottled on its own.
Petit Verdot wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Yarra Yering Dry Red Wine No. 1
Yarra Valley · Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Bordeaux-style blend: blackcurrant, cedar, violets and fine tannins.
Food: Roast beef, lamb
Errázuriz Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve
Aconcagua Valley · Aconcagua · Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Petit Verdot
Chile's classic icon: cassis, black cherry, graphite and polished tannins.
Food: Roast beef, lamb, aged cheese
Château Siran Margaux
Bordeaux · Margaux · Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Fragrant Margaux: violets, cassis and fine tannins.
Food: Lamb, beef
Château Palmer Margaux
Bordeaux · Margaux · Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
Iconic Margaux: silky, perfumed and complex.
Food: Lamb, duck
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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