Petit Verdot

Petit Verdot
Grape (Vitis)
Petit Verdot
Color of berry skin	Rouge
Species	Vitis vinifera
Also called	Verdot (more)
Origin	South West France
Notable regions	Bordeaux, Australia, Argentina, California, Virginia
VIVC number	12974

Petit Verdot is a variety of red wine grape, principally used in classic Bordeaux blends.^[1] It ripens much later than the other varieties in Bordeaux, often too late, so it fell out of favour in its home region. When it does ripen it adds tannin, colour and flavour, in small amounts, to the blend. Petit verdot has attracted attention among winemakers in the New World, where it ripens more reliably and has been made into single varietal wine. It is also useful in 'stiffening' the mid palate of Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

When young its aromas have been likened to banana and pencil shavings. Strong tones of violet and leather develop as it matures.