About Petit Verdot

About Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is a red Bordeaux variety, one of six permitted in a Bordeaux classified wine. It is almost never seen as a stand-alone variety in this region, instead it is a blending component, used primarily to add color to the wine.

The grape's deep, inky purple hue is quite remarkable and perhaps for that reason, it has attracted a handful of producers in California as a stand-alone wine. It is also used in small amounts as a blending grape in certain powerful California reds. The grape is also grown in Chile and Spain.

The flavors are of blackberry, black cherry and plum along with light black spice. Tannins are moderate as is acidity. Pair a Petit Verdot with robust dishes, be it game birds or venison.

Top Picks for Petit Verdot

Mira Winery 2021 Estate Petit Verdot
96 points
$95
Dark fruit galore with the right amount of oak and a touch of violets, well built for a steak house dinner.
Spangler 2023  Petit Verdot
92 points
$39
Where has this grape been my whole life you ask as a symphony of violets, black raspberry, herbs and chocolate unfurl on the long, muscular and balanced finish.
Cerro Block 2018 Single Vineyard Petit Verdot
92 points
$85
Fruity and floral with an underlying earthy bass tone, this will pair with steaks while bringing an ethereal top note to the combination.
New Roots 2022  Petit Verdot
91 points
$38
A delicate, soft red, with violet, sweet corn and boysenberry flavors, quite refreshing with a slight chill.
Spangler 2021  Petit Verdot
91 points
$39
Vibrant and beautifully aromatic, this is a delicious example of Petit Verdot shining in the spotlight.
Sannino Vineyard 2022 Spotlight Petit Verdot
88 points
$55
Full of raspberries and violets, jammy and balanced - a fine pairing for lamb stew.
Mira Winery 2016  Petit Verdot
87 points
$105
Big inky, thick and chewy with loads of dark chocolate, black pepper and cherries.
Twice Tyger 2022 Estate Petit Verdot
86 points
$55
An intense wine with all the dark fruits on display to pair with rich meats and stews.
Clovis Point 2021  Petit Verdot
86 points
$75
Fruity yet dry wine with notes of spice, an easy drinking full bodied red for with rich meats and aged cheese.
North Cliff Vineyards 2019  Petit Verdot
86 points
$50
A red wine that will appeal to drinkers of Bourbon barrel cherry-infused Stouts; think rich chocolate tones and some malty sweetness with light floral and cherry essence.