Petit Verdot is one of the grapes used in classic Bordeaux red blends. Oddly, it often fails to ripen fully in its home region, which has led to it falling out of popularity and the name, which means “Little green”. However, in New World regions, warmer climates have unlocked the grape’s full potential. It has some unusual flavours that make it an intriguing wine to pair with food.c
Petit Verdot is a classically bold red wine, and you will find typical dark fruit notes of plum and cherry. However, Petit Verdot also has strong herbal and floral undertones, such as lilac and sage. It will match best with hearty foods that have strong flavours, particularly meats and aged cheeses.
Meat That Pairs Well With Petit Verdot
Look for heavier meats when pairing food with Petit Verdot. Lamb, beef, venison and pork are all good options. Barbecued meats are particularly good, imparting a smokiness that will complement the wine, as are herb crusted meats, which will mingle beautifully with Petit Verdot’s strong herbal side. Flavourful sauces will also be excellent additions, such as Mexican mole, teriyaki sauce or plum sauce.
To get you thinking about specific dishes, consider pairing Petit Verdot with a herby lamb rack, lamb kebab, a hearty beef burger or a Mexican dish that combines beef and mole.
Cheese That Pairs Well With Petit Verdot
Cheeses with a lot of character pair well with Petit Verdot. Think along the lines of aged, sharp or smoked. The fat and protein in the cheese will do an excellent job of soaking up the tannins in the wine, allowing the herbal and floral flavours to shine. Likewise, Petit Verdot is high in acid so it will be a great palate cleanser, making each bite of cheese taste fresh.
To get the most out of both the wine and the cheese, consider pairing Petit Verdot with one of these: Parmesan, Grana Padano, aged Cheddar, aged/smoked Gouda, or Manchego.
Appetizers That Pair Well With Petit Verdot
To use it as an appetizer, you really want to pair Petit Verdot with small bites that will get your mouth watering. Go down the hearty route – dried meats, slices of sharp cheese on wholegrain crackers, or fritters made of filling veggies.
Vegetarian Dishes That Pair Well With Petit Verdot
Although meat is the ideal pairing for Petit Verdot, there are plenty of options for vegetarians too. Substantial vegetables, mushrooms, and various legumes can all be paired with this wine. The key is to look for flavourful, full-bodied dishes that can stand up to the wine. Lentil-based dishes are a good option, as are those with kidney beans. Think about pairing Petit Verdot with a kidney bean veggie bolognese or the Georgian bread, lobiani. Mushroom risotto, roasted potatoes, or roasted chestnuts are all fantastic, belly-warming options.
Herbs That Pair Well With Petit Verdot
With its strong floral and herbal character, Petit Verdot can be paired with a lot of spices and herbs. You can include anything from pungent green herbs like sage to fresher ones like mint, and warm spicy options like cumin, paprika or cinnamon.
Food That Does Not Pair Well With Petit Verdot
Typically for a bold, tannic red wine, Petit Verdot won’t harmonize with white, flakey fish, and even pairing it with something like salmon or tuna is a gamble. It’s far too powerful to pair with light, mild dairy products, like cream or mozzarella, and raw white-fleshed fruit or vegetables simply won’t do much for the wine.
Best Foods To Eat With Petit Verdot
To sum up, in order to get the most out of Petit Verdot and the food, you should pair the wine with flavourful, rich foods, particularly those with a lot of protein and fat that can cushion the abundant tannins. These are your best options:
- Lamb
- Beef with mole
- Lentil dal
- Aged cheese
- Kidney bean-based dishes
