Petit Verdot has spent centuries in the shadow of Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux blends. But Australia is producing spectacular single varietal wines from this grape with great success. Beautiful color, concentrated violet fruit flavors, firm tannins.

Petit Verdot, long known as a Bordeaux blending varietal, is making a name for itself as a stand-alone wine in Australia. This release from the prestigious Limestone Coast shines a deep purple color boasting concentrated fruit flavors and firm tannins. Strong tones of violet and leather will develop as it matures. silver, highly recommended, 2007 World Wine Championships

Warm up your winter with a red from Down Under

Cabernet Sauvignon … Shiraz (Syrah spelled the Oz way) … Chardonnay … Riesling … Nebbiolo … Sangiovese … Pinot Noir …. Many of the great varieties of Europe have found a stronghold in the New World soil of Australia.

One that you may not be as familiar with is rising in popularity here, even as it is falling out of favor in its native France: Petit Verdot (pronounced “Peh-TEE Vehr-DOUGH”). This hearty red winegrape has historically had a minor role in the famous Bordeaux blend. Because it is late to ripen, however, it is more and more being uprooted in France’s most prestigious wine region, to make room for more popular grapes.
Fortunately, in Australia, this former supporting player is making a comeback—as a star in its own right. In fact, Australia is producing spectacular single varietal wines from this grape with great success.

An intensely colored, highly tannic grape Petit Verdot is so powerful, it usually contributes no more than 5% to the Bordeaux blend. However, many Aussie winemakers now are also experimenting with Petit Verdot as a pure varietal. The result has been a huge success: deeply hued, full-bodied wines that are often similar to Shiraz with their wonderful aromas of earth, leather, smoke and violets; spicy, peppery flavors; and potential for decades-long aging.

The credit for this superb 2005 Lost Shore, Limecoast Coast Petit Verdot belongs in the talented hands of fifth-generation winemaker Geoff Hardy. A widely respected wine authority Down Under, Geoff has played a leading role in developing South Australia’s vineyards, through his viticultural innovations. You can taste his expertise in this exceptional Petit Verdot.

The Limestone Coast: The Prime Source for Premium Wines

Only recently classified as a wine zone in its own right, the tiny Limestone Coast previously accounted for just four percent of the southeast territory of South Australia. Yet, it is impressive in its output—especially of fine wines: this fertile soil produced one-third of Australia’s total volume of fine wine! Both red and white wines derive from the Limestone Coast, whose key appellations are:

• Coonawarra: Coonawarra’s distinctive red “terra rosa” soil produces some of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Other appellations: Mount Benson and Robe are the “hottest” new regions to watch here. Others include Padthaway, Wrattonbully and Mount Gambier.

Product Reviews

 

Matt
(Oct 14, 2009 at 5:24 PM)

It's not often you find a varietal Petit Verdot, but there is some history of the varietal making exceptional wines in Australia, with apparently legendary wines made in the 1930's. I'm not claiming legendary status for this wine, but it's bloody good value for the money!

 

Hemry
(Dec 4, 2009 at 4:53 PM)

We took delivery today for a case of this wine. Purchased in part by the low special price. Opened a bottle and after a sip decided to order another case. The dark maroun color leads into a very relaxing taste. Had to control ourselves to not finish the whole bottle.