Petit Verdot is one of the classic Bordeaux varieties. It ripens very late, so in a cool region like Bordeaux it often fails to reach optimum ripeness. It has attracted many New World winemakers because in warmer climates it adds a dimension of tannin, colour and flavour to blends. It is not recognized as a variety that stands alone because it can lack finesse and fruit sweetness. (Always the bridesmaid, never the bride!)
The wine is a blend of three vineyards, two of the block are on the same farm and the third block are from a vineyard in the Helderberg ward.
The first vineyard was planted in 1997 and provides concentration and structure to the wine. The rootstock of this vineyard is Richter 99 and are planted on oakleaf soils. Dark fruit like plums and dark cherries are the main contributes of this block.
The second vineyard was planted in 2014 and provides more red fruit character, violets and finesse. The rootstock of this vineyard is Richter 110 and are planted on oakleaf soils, the same as the 1997 planting.
The third vineyard is situated close to Sir Lowry’s Pass. This vineyard provide the floral component of the blend, the block is only 0.26 Ha and the rootstock is Richter 110.
The vineyards provide unique characteristics to the wine, this is why we are careful about handling wine on skins; choose to ferment using whole berries; and, use very gentle cap management techniques. Petit Verdotis known to provide intense ruby red colour, full bodied and concentrated wines. I am excited about this varietal in South Africa.