Saw this the other day in my local Co op, and I had to grab a bottle. It’s been a while since I’ve opened a bottle of Petit Verdot, a grape I always enjoy, although it can be intense and a little tannic.
It’s bold, to say the least, and most of the time it’s used in a blend, usually in a small percentage, perhaps 10% at most. It originated in Bordeaux, France and is used as an integral component in Bordeaux blends. Petit Verdot translates to ‘Little Green’, and that just about sums it up.
But get it as a single varietal like this Spanish version, and it can be a wine with unique characteristics. It’s usually very dark in colour with rich ripe flavours of dark plums and blackberries, it also has notes of dried herbs and violets, it’s a little gravely, and it is normally high in tannins.
Co Op Irresistible Petit Verdot 2024
This was a solitary bottle sitting on the shelf of my local Co Op, not seen it before, maybe it was an odd bottle they found, I think I paid around £9 for it.
So it comes from Jumilla, a town and a municipality in southeastern Spain. It is located in the north east of the Region of Murcia, close to the towns of Cieza and Yecla.
I did open this up a couple of hours before drinking, as it was likely to be tannic and on initial sip it was; after a little air, it did soften a bit.
With an ABV of 13.5%, which came across more like 14%. In the glass, it was very dark, with aromas of ripe, dark plums, blackberries and blueberries. There was a little touch of smokiness, violets, lavender and sage.
Tastewise it was full-bodied and very dry, ripe dark fruits were prominent, and the tannins were still noticeable along with a hint of vanillary oak.
Probably best with food, but I’d happily drink it on its own. I really enjoyed it, but maybe not for everyone, but you won’t know unless you try it.
Petit Verdot can be a real Gem!
