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A Grape for Each Season: Petit Verdot

January 21, 2016

petit verdot blog

 

A Grape for Each Season: Petit Verdot  

Each season of the year brings opportunity to discover a new grape or learn more about a grape we may consume frequently. In my years of studying wine the thing I fell in love with the most is that there’s a different wine for every occasion. I encourage all to embark on a new kind of wine pairing. Take a journey through situational wine pairing. Each season, emotion or life event presents an opportunity to pair it with a complementary wine. I am here to set the mood and to remind you that “there’s a wine for that!”

Now, in the thick of winter, as the nights have grown colder and we pull out the flannel sheets and quilts and cozy up by the fireplace, it’s a comfort to know that there’s a perfect wine for this season.  It is the Alpha grape, the predecessor to Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux, the sleeping giant in a world of blends, Petit Verdot. Few know about this mysterious small production wine. This methodical grape takes its time to ripen so it will only allow itself to be consumed in the most exceptional of conditions, high maintenance to say the least. Yet, a bottle of Petit Verdot whilst with a lover or friend or by one’s self will empower, inspire, and protect us against winter’s harsh conditions.

Dried figs, blackcurrant, blueberry pie, lead pencil and fresh leather all come together to commiserate the fact that we are in below 30-degree temperatures. Freezing. Fear not, for the strong tannins are here to wrap us in their large yet welcoming arms and a deep inky ruby cloak of bright acidity and moderate to high alcohol will lay softly over us as the long spicy finish has us dreaming of spring break in Miami Beach…

So get bundled up, grab a glass and CHEERS to surviving another East End winter, thanks to Petit Verdot.

 

Julia King

Certified Sommelier & Tasting Room Associate

 

(Photo Credit: Madison Fender)

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