Petit Verdot – The Little Grape That Could

by Taryn Lachter

Petit Verdot is a little red grape (although its name means little green) that originates in the Bordeaux region of France.

Life hasn’t always been easy for this grape.

It ripens much later than its other friends in Bordeaux, which means many years the entire harvest is lost.

Petit Verdot is a little red grape (although its name means little green) that originates in the Bordeaux region of France. Life hasn’t always been easy for this grape as it ripens much later than its other friends in Bordeaux, which means many years the entire harvest is lost. The late harvest would keep the tannins which would result in a bitter-tasting wine so it would only be added in tiny amounts to embolden the flavor of another wine. Because it only properly ripens about once every four years, France has more or less written it off as an irrelevant grape. 

Initially, Petit Verdot was only used in red blends, particularly in Cabernet Sauvignon, but as it spread to the warmer climates of the New World, winemakers began to take an interest in its intense flavors and produce it as a single grape varietal. 

Like most bold reds, it highlights dark fruits like blackberries, cherries, and plums but the unique part of the Petit Verdot is the intensely herbal and floral notes that present themselves. You’ll get strong aromas of violet and sage plus interesting notes of vanilla, spice, and coffee, depending on the aging barrel. This red wine screams for flavors of smoke and spice so it pairs incredibly well with grilled meats and bold cheeses like gouda or aged manchego. It’s also a great partner to very earthy vegetables like mushrooms, beans, and onions. 

As for regions, Petit Verdot is still grown in France, however, only drink the ones made in Bordeaux’s Right Bank as that is still where it has the best shot at full ripening. The warmer climates of Italy and Australia have proven to be very successful in helping this grape achieve its best potential, and of course, California’s Central Coast and Napa Valley have made a great home for it as well. 

Although Petit Verdot had a rough start back in the 1700s with its need for a longer season plus a rough battle with phylloxera, this little grape has made a come back in the last hundred years. As other countries outside of France have noticed its inky purple color and vibrantly rich color palate, it has begun popping up in many New World countries. If you’re looking for a new wine that will surprise you, try a Petit Verdot!



FEATURED EVENTS

Crush Wine Experiences

October 23, 2021

A once-in-a-lifetime experience

Piedmont Italy: Barolo and Barbaresco tour

Oct 23 – 30, 2021
6 nights, 7 days
Milan, Barolo, Alba, and Turin

RESERVE NOW
Crush Wine Experiences

September 23, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Kotti Berliner – Food & Wine Pairing

Join us for a Virtual Food & Wine Pairing with Brooklyn’s Kotti Berliner. Explore delicious döner kebabs paired with wine. Meet Kotti founder, Erkan Emre.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

September 16, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Broadbent Selections – Portugal

Join us for a Virtual Tasting with one of America’s leading importers of high-quality Portuguese wines.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

September 2, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Cusumano Winery – Sicily, Italy

Join us for a Virtual Tasting with the maker of the #1 selling Sicilian wine in the U.S.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

August 26, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Kunde Family Winery

Join us for a Virtual Tasting. The Kunde family has farmed an 1,850-acre estate in Sonoma Valley for 100 years.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

August 19, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards

Join us for a Virtual Tasting. Great wine starts in the vineyard.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

August 12, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Dutcher Crossing Winery

Join us for a Virtual Tasting. Distinctive and hand-crafted wines produced from award-winning vineyards.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

June 12, 2020

At Your Home

RGNY At-Home Blending Session

Be your own winemaker for a day — guided by a professional on Zoom video!

PURCHASE KIT & ZOOM TICKET
Crush Wine Experiences

May 29, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Virtual Wine & Pizza Tasting with Jamesport Vineyards

What’s better than great wine and artisanal pizza?

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 28, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Foxen Winery & Vineyard Virtual Tasting

Experience the magic of Santa Barbara wine.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 28, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Foxen Winery & Vineyard Virtual Tasting

Experience the magic of Santa Barbara wine.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 21, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Chateau Montelena Winery Virtual Tasting

This tasting will be epic.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 19, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Ridge Vineyards Virtual Tasting – Monte Bello winery

The New York Times described Ridge Monte Bello as “America’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignon.”

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 18, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Tenuta di Lilliano Virtual Tasting

Very special tasting. Don’t miss it!

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 15, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Pedroncelli Winery Virtual Tasting

Four Generations of Family Pride at Pedroncelli Winery, since 1927

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 14, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Provence Rosé Group Virtual Tasting

The best rosé in the world comes from Provence.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 13, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

St. Francis Winery Virtual Tasting

Voted “#1 in America” in 2013 and 2015 by Open Table customers.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 12, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Ridge Vineyards Virtual Tasting – Lytton Springs

The New York Times described Ridge’s Cabernet Sauvignon as America’s greatest.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 11, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Oak Farm Vineyards Virtual Tasting

Visit the famous wine-growing region of Lodi County, California – virtually!

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 8, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Goldschmidt Vineyards Virtual Tasting

Visit Sonoma County – virtually!

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

April 18, 2020

Marlboro, NY

Wines & Bites!

Hudson Valley’s yummiest wine and food tasting event

GET TICKETS
Crush Wine Experiences

March 7, 2020

New York’s Premier Winter Wine Event

NYC Winter Wine and Food Festival

Enjoy a winter getaway without even leaving the city.

GET TICKETS
Crush Wine Experiences

January 19, 2020

Riverhead, NY

RG|NY Blending Session

Join RG|NY winemaker Lilia Perez, for a unique tasting and blending session.

PURCHASE TICKETS
Crush Wine Experiences

December 14, 2019

Ulster & Orange Counties, NY

Wreath Fineries at the Wineries

Don’t miss the ultimate holiday wine tasting event in the Hudson Valley. Sales end Thursday, Dec 12 at 11:59pm!

PURCHASE TICKETS
Crush Wine Experiences

November 14, 2019

New York, NY

Around The World In 10 Wines

Experience a global tasting in 2 hours with award-winning artisan cheese and charcuterie

PURCHASE TICKETS

RELATED WINE BLOGS

Wednesday, July 19th, 2023

Exploring The Wines of Portugal
Why should France, Italy, and Spain get all the attention? With many varietals you won’t find anywhere else, Portugal is an exciting and oft-overlooked wine region that deserves more recognition. If you’re looking to shake up your wine rack with high-quality, affordable wines from Europe, then keep reading! About Wine in Portugal Portugal has 14 - Read More
Read more...

Monday, June 26th, 2023

New York State’s 10 Best Wineries and Vineyards
Move over Napa, because New York has some great wine regions of its own.  The Finger Lakes, Hudson River Valley, Niagara, and Long Island all feature competitive wineries that create exceptional products.  There’s no longer a need to travel across the country to tour world-class vineyards: they’re in our own backyard.  Here’s our list of - Read More
Read more...

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Wine and Food Pairings For Summer
Wine and Food Pairings By The Shore What’s better than kicking back with your toes in the sand, listening to crashing waves with a glass of wine in your hand? Elevate your sun-soaked vacation with delicious wine and food pairings everyone will rave over! We have unexpected yet soon-to-be classic duos that you’ll savor seaside! - Read More
Read more...
LOAD MORE