Petit Verdot, a red grape varietal, gets its name from its unique characteristic of late ripening. The term “Petit Verdot” translates to “little green one” in French, which refers to the fact that the small berries of this grape variety remain green even when other grapes are ready for harvest.
The late ripening nature of Petit Verdot can be attributed to its thick skin and high tannin levels. These factors cause the grapes to take longer to reach maturity compared to other grape varieties. As a result, the berries of Petit Verdot remain green while the rest of the fruit in the vineyard is ready for picking.
The delayed ripening of Petit Verdot has posed challenges for winemakers in France, leading to a decline in its popularity in some regions. In the past, Petit Verdot was commonly blended with other grape varieties, such as Merlot and Cabernet Franc, to add color, structure, and complexity to wines. However, due to its late ripening, winemakers often struggled to achieve optimal ripeness and balance in the final wines.
In recent years, some winemakers have chosen to replant their vineyards with more early-ripening grape varieties, thus reducing the reliance on Petit Verdot. Merlot and Cabernet Franc, both known for their earlier ripening, have gained favor as they can provide similar characteristics to Petit Verdot while being easier to manage in the vineyard.
Despite the challenges faced by winemakers, Petit Verdot still has its devoted enthusiasts. Its distinctive characteristics, including intense color, high tannins, and dark fruit flavors, make it a sought-after grape for blending purposes. It can add depth and complexity to Bordeaux-style blends, especially when used in small quantities.
The name “Petit Verdot” serves as a reminder of the grape's delayed ripening and the challenges associated with it. It highlights the unique nature of this varietal and sets it apart from other grape varieties. While its popularity may have waned in some regions, Petit Verdot continues to captivate winemakers and wine enthusiasts alike with its ability to contribute to complex and age-worthy wines.
In my personal experience, I have come across wines that blend Petit Verdot with other grape varieties, and the result has been truly remarkable. The addition of Petit Verdot brings a distinct character to the wine, enhancing its structure and adding layers of flavor. It is fascinating to see how this “little green one” can make such a significant impact on the overall profile of a wine.
The name Petit Verdot signifies the grape's unique late ripening characteristic, which sets it apart from other varieties. While its popularity has somewhat diminished in certain regions, it remains a grape of great interest and potential, capable of adding complexity and depth to wines when handled with care and expertise.