Petit Verdot

This grape variety, long in the shadow of great Bordeaux blends, now reveals all its splendor. Petit Verdot is one of the most mysterious and fascinating grape varieties in the wine world. Long confined to a supporting role, it now seduces with its aromatic power, tannic structure, and its ability to thrive in various climates.

Whether it’s showcased in prestigious Bordeaux crus or as a single varietal under the sun of Australia and Argentina, this multifaceted grape reveals unique profiles that delight enthusiasts. Its strong character and aging potential make it a must-have for connoisseurs’ cellars.

At Vinodelice, we invite you to discover the true face of this unique grape variety, originally from the Médoc, now cultivated and vinified with brilliance across several continents.

Origins

Petit Verdot is a black grape variety originating from the southwest of France, more specifically from the Médoc, where it has been mentioned since the 18th century. Its name, which means “little green,” refers to the difficulty it can have fully ripening in cool climates, with some berries remaining green at harvest.

This late-ripening trait long limited its use in Bordeaux vineyards, where it was considered temperamental and thus reserved for particularly hot years.

Historically cultivated in the Médoc and the Graves, it was largely replaced by more reliable grape varieties such as Merlot or Cabernet Franc. However, with recent climate changes, Petit Verdot is making a strong comeback. Its ability to withstand heat and produce wines rich in aroma and structure is increasingly sought after, especially in blends of the Médoc’s classified growths (Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe). It is often used at 4 to 10%, adding depth, color, and spice.

Difficult to cultivate, it requires sunshine, well-drained gravelly soil, and a warm climate. If harvested at the right time, it produces very dark, almost black wines, with powerful aromas of dark fruit, violet, spices, and oaky notes if aged in barrels. Structured, tannic, and full-bodied, Petit Verdot offers excellent aging potential, gaining suppleness and complexity over time.

The Great Expressions of Petit Verdot Around the World and Their Characteristics

Although emblematic of Bordeaux vineyards, Petit Verdot is now experiencing true global success. Its ability to adapt to warm climates allows it to express itself with power and originality in a wide range of terroirs.

In France, the grape is mainly used in blends, especially in the Médoc or the Graves. It enhances the structure and complexity of prestigious grands crus such as Château Palmer or Château Margaux. It is also found, more rarely, vinified alone in the Languedoc or Cahors. Its profile features aromas of dark fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry), violet, and licorice, accompanied by firm tannins.

In Spain, particularly in Castilla-La Mancha and the Penedès, it is often vinified as a single varietal. It offers a nose of plum and black cherry, complemented by notes of cocoa, vanilla, and a nice freshness on the palate.

In Italy, in Puglia or Tuscany, Petit Verdot is used to add body to blends, but can also be found on its own in certain cuvées. It then develops aromas of morello cherry, raspberry, and aromatic herbs, with elegant tannins.

In the United States, it is grown in California (Napa, Sonoma), where it produces rich, opulent wines often marked by barrel aging. In Washington State, the style is fresher and more mineral. Dominant notes include blueberry, prune, sweet spices, with a long, lingering finish.

In Australia, it is found as a single varietal in the Barossa Valley or Riverland. The style is generally powerful and generous, with aromas of jammy blackberry, fig, coffee, and tobacco, carried by fleshy tannins.

In Argentina, especially in Mendoza, the dry and sunny climate allows excellent phenolic ripeness. Petit Verdot there expresses notes of fig, date, smoky spices, with balanced acidity that brings freshness.

Other countries such as Chile, with the Colchagua Valley, produce spicy and intense wines. In Israel, in the Galilee or Judean regions, one finds deep expressions of the grape. Finally, in Portugal, Petit Verdot is sometimes included in Douro blends.

The Price of Petit Verdot

The price of wines made from Petit Verdot varies depending on the region, the type of vinification (single varietal or blend), and the reputation of the producer.

In France, particularly in Bordeaux, Petit Verdot is often used in blends in great growths. Bottles can range from €20 to over €100, especially when part of classified wines.

In Spain and Italy, it is sometimes vinified alone. Prices range from €15 to €40, with excellent value for money.

In the United States and Australia, premium cuvées start around €25 and can exceed €100 for rare or high-end editions.

In Argentina, very good bottles can be found between €10 and €30, offering a fine expression of the grape at an affordable price.

Food and Wine Pairings with Petit Verdot

A powerful and tannic grape, Petit Verdot pairs perfectly with bold dishes. It is an ideal match for grilled red meats, such as a rib of beef or duck breast, whose protein richness softens its tannins. Slow-cooked dishes, such as beef stew or boeuf bourguignon, reveal its aromatic depth, as do roasted or sauced game dishes.

On the cheese side, it goes well with aged hard cheeses or strong cheeses, such as aged Comté or Roquefort. It can also surprise alongside spicy dishes, like a lamb tagine, and even with a dark chocolate dessert, echoing its woody and spicy notes.

To enjoy it in the best conditions, serve it between 16 and 18 °C, after decanting it for an hour. It’s perfect to enjoy at the table during a warm dinner, or after a few years of aging for even greater complexity.

To learn more, check out our list of grape varieties!