Petit Verdot is hardly a well-known grape; it also is not widely planted. Most commonly associated with Bordeaux, Petit Verdot is frequently used as a blending grape in small quantities (only about 3%). The name Petit Verdot (or “small green”) hints at its relative obscurity – it grows in small clusters with small berries and, at least in the past, was associated with green flavors. In warmer regions, such as Eastern Washington and Colorado, it produces intensely flavored red wines with above average fruit flavors (plums and cherry) and above average acidity and tannin, which contributes to its favorable cellaring quality. Since its inception, a bottle of Colorado Petit Verdot has been in the Governor’s Cup case five out of seven times. Bookcliff Vineyards released its first Petit Verdot in 2012 and has produced a vintage every year since.
From our staff – Allie McCarron
Our 2018 Petit Verdot has a beautiful bouquet of cherry, violets, and plum on the nose, with earthy dried spices mixing into fresh blueberries, blackberries, and a touch of woodsmoke as flavors. Tannins are fine-grained, and the wine resolves into a pleasantly tart but gentle finish – I think of this wine as a cabin in the woods, a peaceful retreat on a snowy weekend. While I tend to hoard my Petit Verdot for special occasions (especially considering how little we make of it), I do enjoy pairing it with leg of lamb or strong, dry cheeses such as Pecorino Romano and aged Gouda, or even herb-basted mushroom dishes.
From our winemaker – Will Thompson
The 2018 Petit Verdot was aged 10 months in barrel with 25% new French oak. Aromatics are dusty and dark, with subtle notes of violet and sage but more dominant in leather from the new oak influence. The palate features medium-plus tannin that comes across as smooth and mouth coating. The 2018 Petit Verdot also features high acidity that balances the tannin and full body that is characteristic of the varietal. The finish is lean as fruit notes of plum linger past the first sip.
From our club members – Marty and Allan Turner
We were introduced to Petit Verdot at Bookcliff Vinyards’ tasting room in Boulder in 2014. John offered us this wonderful varietal and I immediately stated that this was a wine that would challenge the California vintages; it went on to win several medals. We were watching one of the tastings that John and Ulla entertained us with, on Facebook during the pandemic, and John’s eyes popped when tasting the 2018 vintage; I was drinking the same wine and my eyes also popped (I got another case of this vintage). We always love coming to the Bookcliff tasting rooms and look forward to many new vintages to come.
Awards
2013 Petit Verdot – Gold – Los Angeles International Wine Competition
2012 Petit Verdot – Double Gold – Jefferson Cup, Jefferson Cup Nominee
