Petit Verdot, an intriguing grape variety that has a long and fascinating history in the world of wine. One fun fact about Petit Verdot is its ancient origins and association with the Romans. It is believed that the grape was first planted and cultivated by the ancient Romans, who were renowned for their love of wine. The Romans were skilled winemakers and spread the cultivation of grapes throughout their empire, including what is now modern-day France.
Over time, Petit Verdot found its way to Bordeaux, where it became a popular blending grape in the region's famous red wines. Bordeaux wines are typically made from a blend of different grape varieties, and Petit Verdot brought its unique characteristics to the mix. It added depth, color, and tannins, contributing to the complexity of Bordeaux blends.
However, as winemaking practices evolved, the late ripening nature of Petit Verdot became a challenge for winemakers. The grape takes longer to reach full maturity, and in Bordeaux's cool and damp climate, this proved to be a burden. The weather conditions made it difficult for Petit Verdot to ripen fully, resulting in wines that were often green and astringent.
In the 1960s and 1970s, many winemakers in Bordeaux made the decision to uproot portions of their Petit Verdot vineyards. The grape fell out of favor, and its presence in Bordeaux blends diminished significantly. It seemed like Petit Verdot's story was coming to an end.
However, in recent years, Petit Verdot has experienced a resurgence. Winemakers, both in Bordeaux and around the world, have rediscovered the unique qualities that this grape brings to the table. Its late ripening nature can now be seen as an advantage in warmer climates, where it can fully mature and develop its flavors.
Today, Petit Verdot is not only making a comeback in Bordeaux but also finding success as a standalone varietal in regions like California, Australia, and Argentina. It is valued for its intense color, robust tannins, and flavors of dark fruits, spice, and floral notes.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of exploring the world of Petit Verdot firsthand. I remember tasting a Petit Verdot from California that blew me away with its bold and concentrated flavors. The wine had a deep purple hue and an enticing aroma of blackberries, violets, and black pepper. It was full-bodied and rich on the palate, with velvety tannins and a long, lingering finish. It was a wine that demanded attention and left a lasting impression.
One fun fact about Petit Verdot is its journey from being a beloved blending grape in Bordeaux to its decline and subsequent resurgence. Its ancient origins, association with the Romans, and ability to thrive in warmer climates make it a grape worth exploring and appreciating. Whether as a blending component or a standalone varietal, Petit Verdot brings depth, complexity, and a touch of history to the world of wine.