Petit Verdot

Petit Verdot photos, charts, maps, and wines.

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Historically, Petit Verdot was used as a minor component in many of Bordeaux’s finest encepagement. When able to ripen fully the grape can add a rich purple color, firm tannins and an exotic floral and spicy perfume to the resulting wines. read more...However, despite its positive attributes the grapes tendency to not reach maturity in the relatively cool climes of Bordeaux became a frustration for many producers in that region. As a result, acreage of Petit Verdot decreased consistently over the second half of the 20th century. But all was not lost for Petit Verdot. In the 1980s and 1990s, producers in California and Australia, keen on creating Bordeaux blends using traditional grape varietals, simultaneously began planting the grape varietal in their respective regions. In the warm and dry conditions of South Australia and Northern California, where getting grapes to full ripeness is not an issue, Petit Verdot has not only succeeded but thrived. Acreage of Petit Verdot in both regions is on the upswing. While many of the ‘New World’ producers continue to use Petit Verdot as a minor component of Bordeaux blends, an ever growing number are using the grape to make deeply pigmented, highly extracted and aromatic single varietal labeled wines. In a culture, where bigger is better it should comes as no surprise Petit Verdot is a rising star in the California and Australian wine industries.

You are such a temperamental performer, Miss Verdot. You seek stardom and the highest salary, but you have yet to prove yourself in a starring role. We have seen you add color and spice to legendary ensemble performances. But, at this time it would be foolhardy to cast you in a leading role without the support of such established stars as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Your tendency toward immaturity and not showing up for the final act puts fear in the hearts of producers from Bordeaux to Napa. For now, we will watch for your cameos in the indie film arena, where you can explore and flaunt your depth as a lead performer.    (hide)

ChipDWood wrote in the forum topic: Cabernet Franc

November 2009

ChipDWood

East Coast Wine Geeks eh? Color me intrigued ;). Cab Franc is one of the ... high marks for starters. Petit Verdot is the one I'm watching down there with piqued interest. I've had a couple examples of that varietal...

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ChipDWood wrote in the forum topic: Virtual Veritas (see: a great one in Virginia does something smart).

November 2009

ChipDWood

Coolies. One of the "smart" things about this new portion of the Veritas "web ... The strength of the Petit Verdot in particular plays beautifully with the well-established Cab Franc. Veritas is easily in my top four...

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VegasOenophile reviewed Beaulieu Vineyards Tapestry Reserve Napa Valley 2005:

November 2009

VegasOenophile

My favorite of all the BVs tasted today. Elegant and smooth. A great blend! BV tasting 11/14/09 Lee's Discount Liquor

Beaulieu Vineyards Tapestry Reserve Napa Valley 2005

Starting at $34^.99 Snoothrank: 4/5

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bmoritz31 reviewed Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia 2005:

November 2009

bmoritz31

Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia 2005

Starting at $47^.13 Snoothrank: 4/5

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Rich Lago reviewed Michael David Winery Petite Petit 2006:

November 2009

Rich Lago

Got this wine because it won double gold at the California State Fair. I wasn't disappointed. Has that inky Rhone color and the flavors back it up. Fruit is jammy plum, blackberry with some earthiness. The Petite Verdot...

Michael David Winery Petite Petit 2006

Starting at $15^.95 Snoothrank: 4/5

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pegate reviewed Newton The Puzzle 2005:

November 2009

pegate

Mix of blackcurrant and licorice. Smooth wine and full-bodied.

Newton The Puzzle 2005

Starting at $73^.99 Snoothrank: 4/5

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HondaJohn reviewed Gundlach Bundschu Winery Vintage Reserve 2006:

November 2009

HondaJohn

This is the ‘big boy’ of the GunBun lineup. Labels feature the works of American artists. Seems to be the trend these days. Ignoring the label this wine is great. Classic Bordeaux style blend. Big aromas including...

Gundlach Bundschu Winery Vintage Reserve 2006

Starting at $80^.00 Snoothrank: 4/5

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zerekj01 reviewed Pasos Vineyards Petit Verdot California 2003:

November 2009

zerekj01

Pasos Vineyards Petit Verdot California 2003

Starting at $45^.00 Snoothrank: 3/5

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suzyleeogata reviewed Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia 2005:

November 2009

suzyleeogata

Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia 2005

Starting at $47^.13 Snoothrank: 4/5

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churwich reviewed Beaulieu Vineyards Tapestry Reserve Napa Valley 2005:

November 2009

churwich

Beaulieu Vineyards Tapestry Reserve Napa Valley 2005

Starting at $34^.99 Snoothrank: 4/5

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