Petit Verdot

Bordeaux's 2% Secret Weapon

Petit Verdot is grown in Bordeaux, Virginia and Washington State.

3countries on the atlas

Tastes of: violet, blackberry, black cherry and tobacco
Goes with: grilled steak, braised lamb and aged cheddar

Where it grows

Also Washington State

The story

In Bordeaux, Petit Verdot is 1-3% of the blend (adds color, tannins, spice). It ripens late (often doesn't ripen at all). But in Virginia, Washington State, and Australia, it ripens perfectly. Now it's bottled as 100% varietal wine.

Insider story

Petit Verdot is Bordeaux's insurance policy. It ripens 2-3 weeks after Cabernet Sauvignon. In cool years, it doesn't ripen—grapes are discarded. In warm years, it adds massive color (anthocyanins), tannins, and violet aromatics to blends. But it's always minor—1-3%.

Then, in the 1990s, Virginia and Australia tried 100% Petit Verdot. In warm climates, it ripens perfectly, hitting 14-15% ABV with ripe tannins and explosive fruit. Critics loved it. 'This is Petit Verdot's true potential!'

But here's the controversy: Bordeaux snobs say 100% Petit Verdot is 'unbalanced' and 'too much.' New World producers say Bordeaux can't ripen it properly, so they don't understand it. The debate rages.

Technical deep dive

Petit Verdot has thick skins (massive tannins: 3,500-4,500 mg/L), high anthocyanins (intense color), and late ripening (needs warm climate). In Bordeaux, it rarely ripens fully. In Virginia/Australia, it ripens to 14-15% ABV.

Winemaking: extended maceration (25-40 days) extracts color/tannins. Oak aging: 18-24 months in French oak (50-100% new). The wines are dark, structured, age-worthy (10-20 years).

Industry secrets

Washington State's Petit Verdot is criminally underrated. The climate is perfect (warm days, cool nights). Producers like L'Ecole No 41 make world-class $40-80 Petit Verdot that rivals $100+ Napa Cab. Nobody knows about it.

For collectors

Investment grade C+

Auction records: Minimal as varietal—usually a blending grape
Blue-chip producers: L'Ecole No 41
Barboursville (Virginia)
RdV Vineyards
Value picks: Virginia ($25-50), Washington State ($20-40)
Price trend: Flat as varietal. Primarily a blending grape in Bordeaux.
Collector’s tip: Not investment-grade as varietal. Virginia and Washington making interesting 100% bottlings.