OK. I have to start this blog with a disclaimer: I've already tasted this wine, it's one of my favorites, and it's the wine that made me ADORE this particular grape. Petit Verdot is kind of an obscure grape in the wine world because it's pretty powerful. Try it and you'll agree.
But I digress. This bottle, which I feel is worth way more than it's $8.99 selling price (which, by the way, I can only find at the CT Beverage Mart on the Berlin Turnpike) is a fluke in the wine world - apparently, 2007 was a great year for PV in Chile & Korta Vineyards had such an excess that they made a straight-up Petit Verdot wine.
I pulled my usual tasting routine, pouring the first tasting into the regular wine glass & the second tasting into the red champagne coupe. Upon inspection, there are legs for days on this wine and a dark amethyst color. It's light in mouth feel like a pinot noir, but packs a more powerful punch. It's also 14% alcohol by volume. I always enjoy a wine that throws in just a little bit extra.
There is one word to describe the first sip: TART. It's almost like that candy SweetTarts, where you get that slight burning sensation down the back of your throat after swallowing. It's a very distinctive taste that I can't exactly describe, but, if you end up loving PV as much as I do, you can pick out this grape in almost any blend (for example, Petite Petit or Robert Mondavi's Meritage).
After a half-hour of decanting, I turn to glass #2. Surprisingly, the taste hasn't changed at all, it's still the same quirky, powerful taste as before, only it's a little mellower. (Is mellower a word?) There's no more burn down the back of my throat. It's just smooth, powerful, and satisfying.
Try it once & tell me you don't love this crazy little grape.
Cheers!
Kate
