Petit Verdot

A late ripening Bordeaux varietal, that is still grown to a small extent in the region with most plantings located in the Medoc (left bank). It's a useful grape for the vigneron capable of surviving rot brought on by humid conditions thanks to it thick skins. When ripe it can make concentrated, tannic wines worthy of extended maturation and can also contribute a spicy note as a blending agent with Cabernet Sauvignon. The grape can also be found occasionally, as a varietal wine in California and parts of Chile and Argentina.