Petit Verdot is one of
the lesser know Bordeaux varieties. Petit Verdot is rarely bottled as a straight
varietal wine and will generally be used as a blender of 5 - 10% in other Bordeax wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon. It is often called the poor cousin of
the more famous Bordeaux varieties but not for the quality of the wine but due
to the fact that this is a late ripening variety. The problem in France is that
late ripening varieties may not always reach full ripeness due to the onset of
winter.
In Australia we do not
have this problem and full ripeness is easily achieved and the true qualities of
this very regal variety are able to be seen and appreciated. Petit Verdot is
very similar to Shiraz in overall qualities but usually displays greater fruit
and tannin softness. ILNAM Estate's first Petit Verdot 2003 has had 2 years
barrel ageing and is nothing short of sensational. This wine is already quite
approachable but will definitely cellar well for many years and develop further.
Petit
Verdot The small berries of this variety produce incredibly intense deep red
wines. In their youth they may exhibit a purplish colour that diminishes with
age to a deep plum or blood red.
The
nose presents peppers, spice, chocolate, liquorice, earthy, blackberry, cloves,
leathery, plum, mint, cedar, cigar, raspberry, violets, mulberry, jammy, cherry
aromas.
A
generous medium-full bodied wine that has plenty to offer the palate. The
tannins are usually abundant but not aggressive.
Taste
award winning local wines today at ILNAM Estate
ILNAM Estate is
a unique tourist attraction as we are the only winery on
the Tweed. ILNAM Estate Winery is located just 20 minutes from the Gold Coast
Airport, 40 minutes from Surfers Paradise and only 1 hour 20 minutes from
Brisbane.
ILNAM ESTATE WINERY- 750 Carool Road,
Carool NSW- Ph (07) 5590 7703
