Petit Verdot is a red grape variety that originates from Bordeaux, France. If you’re looking for an easy wine to enjoy with friends and family, Petit Verdot has your name written all over it. It’s a wine that tastes super smooth yet has very little tannin. This makes it ideal for sipping on its own or with food. There are many things to love about this particular grape varietal. Here’s everything you need to know about what is Petit Verdot.
What is Petit Verdot?
Petit Verdot is a variety of red grapes that originated in Bordeaux, France. It is considered an easy-drinking wine because it has very low tannin content. This makes it a perfect wine to drink with others or just on its own.
There are many things to love about this grape varietal, including its ability to be fermented either in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks and its taste profile, consisting of chocolate, plum, raspberry, and blackberry.
The History of Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is the most ancient grape variety in all of France. It is believed to have originated in Bordeaux centuries ago. The grapes were discovered during the Middle Ages and became popular because they were very resistant to rot, and they produced large yields of wine.
In the 1970s and 1980s, there was a lot of experimentation with Petit Verdot and other grape varieties, including Albariño, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. This experimentation led to a variety of new styles of wines being created. In particular, Petit Verdot was one of the first grapes to be used in the new red wine style made from small-grained berries. This style has become more popular than ever before because it’s noted for its high tannin levels that make it great for aging.
The Tannin of Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot gives a wine’s tannin structure to the fruit instead of a dark-skinned grape. Dark-skinned grapes have less flavor than lighter-skinned ones. Because of this, Petit Verdot can produce a much higher level of fruit flavor.
One thing you’ll notice with Petit Verdot is that it has almost no tannin in it. This makes it easier for your palate to enjoy the flavors. Now, when you’re drinking red wine from Petit Verdot, you won’t have the same sort of bite or as much tannin in your mouth as you would with a wine made from a different grape varietal.
Why Do People Love It?
Petit Verdot is one of the most popular wines in France, which makes sense as it’s a very easy-to-drink wine. It also has a long history of being known for its rich and fruity flavors. This grape varietal is usually aged in oak barrels, so you’ll get all those yummy dark flavors, but if you drink this young and fresh, it will be super juicy, ripe with fruit flavors, and light on tannins.
Petit Verdot goes well with food. Another reason why people love this grape varietal is because of its versatility. It can be enjoyed with both red and white types of meat (which is what it does best). You can also pair this beverage with seafood such as lobster or crab meat.
The last reason people love this grape varietal is because of the acidity levels. Petit Verdot has low levels of acidity (making it a good candidate for pairing with food or even drinking by itself). The high levels of natural sugars make this wine sweet without being cloying or too sugary.
Let’s not forget about the generous amounts of alcohol that are found in Petit Verdot grapes! Various vintages range from 16% to 18% alcohol content, depending on how long they’re aged in oak barrels before being bottled. That means there’s something for everyone – sippers and drinkers alike.
How Is It Different From Other Grapes?
One of the most significant differences between Petit Verdot and other red grape varieties is its low tannin content. In fact, it’s commonly said that it has what some would call a ‘soft’ tannin. This makes this grape variety very easy to drink, especially when you’re drinking wine with food. Additionally, there are many people who enjoy drinking Petit Verdot on its own because it packs a lot of flavor into a small package. It has a lot of character and personality because of the way it’s made–you can taste the varietal in every sip. While some people believe this grape variety doesn’t have much aging potential, others think it does. Either way, there are many ways to enjoy this wine, so feel free to experiment.
Verdot is not able to produce juice for fermentation on its own. So, technically it’s not a wine at all like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. It doesn’t have the sugar and tannin these wines would need to ferment easily. Instead, it gets its taste from the grape skins, which contribute to the fruity and sweet nature of the wine.
Another interesting aspect about this variety is that it’s grown in French vineyards at low altitudes where there is little sunshine exposure. This means that Petit Verdot grapes are able to be fermented with very little exposure to oxygen, which creates a less acidic wine with flavors such as strawberry and raspberry.
Where Can You Find Petit Verdot Wines?
It’s not hard to find a bottle of Petit Verdot wine. You can easily buy it at your local liquor store. Just make sure to keep in mind that you need to purchase a wine that has been aged for two years or more. The majority of the time, wines under the two-year mark will not taste as good as those that have been aged for longer.
The best way to get your hands on a bottle is by purchasing one online through a retailer. This is typical because you’re getting a better deal than buying from a smaller wine shop, and you’re able to save yourself the hassle of going out shopping for this wine.
What Foods Go Well With Petit Verdot Wine?
Since its inception, Petit Verdot has been a go-to grape for many wine drinkers. Its low tannin and low acidity make it an easy-drinking wine that goes well with most dishes. Whether you’re cooking or sharing with friends and family, many dishes will pair well with Petit Verdot.
Some of the best accompaniments to this grape varietal include some fresh seafood like clams or oysters, white meats like chicken or pork, and vegetables like peas or spinach.
What Wines Pair Well With a Hearty Meal?
I’m sure you’re familiar with the saying, “Pairing is essential.” But just because you know it’s important doesn’t mean it’s easy. Wine and food go hand-in-hand, which means that the dishes you serve will determine what wines are appropriate for the occasion. Some dishes call for a red wine with a bold flavor, like Cabernet Sauvignon. Other dishes call for a lighter wine like a Pinot Noir to balance the flavors.
When hosting friends or family, it’s important to consider your meal so that you can pair the right wine with your dish. If you’re cooking up some Italian fare, I would suggest serving Chianti with your vaciole pasta or adding some Chianti to your sauce to let it shine.
Often, people don’t do this because they think certain wines are too expensive or think they don’t have time to shop for them. However, if you follow these guidelines and stick to this list of suggestions, then there is no reason why you should run out of good wines when hosting guests at your home:
Red Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
White Wine: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay
Health Benefits of Drinking Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is a low tannin grape variety. This means it has less bitter, astringent components that cause many wines to dry out your mouth and throat.
The lower tannin content in Petit Verdot also makes it a great wine for those trying to avoid alcohol-induced health problems. If you’re struggling with alcoholism or addiction, you should drink Petit Verdot often, as it will help decrease your chances of developing these symptoms.
Another reason why you should drink Petit Verdot regardless of health because it contains high amounts of potassium, which helps balance out blood pressure levels and prevents stroke and heart failure.
The lower tannin content in Petit Verdot also makes it a great wine for those trying to avoid alcohol-induced health problems. If you’re struggling with alcoholism or addiction, you should drink Petit Verdot often, as it will help decrease your chances of developing these symptoms. Another reason why you should drink Petit Verdot regardless of health because it contains high amounts of potassium, which helps balance out blood pressure levels and prevents stroke and heart failure.
If you’re looking for a wine that’s perfect for your next dinner party, wine pairing, or enjoying on its own, Petit Verdot is a great option. This white wine is a little tart and sweet, and its smooth texture pairs well with several dishes. It is a wine that is perfect for summertime sipping. It also pairs well with a meal. Try pairing it with a simple yet hearty meal like grilled salmon.
