Need to know

Petit Verdot is a late-ripening variety. The name, ‘little green’, is a reference to how the berries often didn’t ripen properly in Bordeaux’s maritime climate, where a few very rare varietal Petit Verdots are produced.

The grape was introduced to Australia by James Busby, and it thrives in the country’s warm climate, making distinctive wines in South Australia, Victoria and Margaret River.

California, Washington state, South Africa and Chile also do great things with Petit Verdot, and there’s some grown in Spain, Italy and Turkey, too.

Outside France, it’s usually seen in blends with Cabernet or Merlot, but you do see some varietal versions.