Petit Verdot is one of the classic varieties used in blending in Bordeaux. It’s an early ripening varietal and its dense fruit, dark color and high tannins mean “a little goes a long way” when used in the blend.
It’s grown on Long Island in small amounts used primarily as a blending grape as well but a few wineries bottle it on its own and when you go to the tasting room, it’s usually the most expensive wine by the glass option.
On a sunny Sunday afternoon I drove out to wine country to sample a few.
Sannino Bella Vita Vineyards 7490 Alvans Lane, Cutchogue
This winery practices sustainable viticulture and has a Bed & Breakfast on property
2014 Petit Verdot “Spotlight”. Black in color with a purple rim, crushed raspberry on the nose with slate and crushed rock notes on the tight and tart finish, moderate tannins.
2013 Petit Verdot “Spotlight”. Inky black with a purple rim, mint and cooked fruit on the nose, chewy dusty dark chocolate on the fruit with nice acidity. More fruit forward than the ’14.
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Pellegrini Vineyards 23005 Main Road, Cutchogue
This winery was founded in 1991 and features a two-story oak beamed tasting room.
2012 Petit Verdot “Estate”. Black with a purple rim, slate and crushed black fruit on the nose, crushed red berries and some smoke on the fruit, moderate tannins and low acid with lavender notes on the finish.
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Osprey’s Dominion Vineyards 44075 Main Road, Peconic
The first vines at this vineyard were planted in 1983, this was the most crowded tasting room the day I visited.
2013 Petit Verdot “Reserve”. Inky black, corked?, closed nose with smoky, dense fruit with moderate acids. Corked notes blew off after a few minutes in the glass.
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