Tri-City Herald
July 24, 2018

Of the six official red grapes of Bordeaux, the one that we not often see standing on its own is the bold and burly Petit Verdot.

Wine lovers, particularly those in Washington state, are delighted to see a growing interest in this rare variety. Little more than 1,000 tons are harvested each fall in Washington, and much of that ends up in Bordeaux and meritage-style blends. Fortunately, a few winemakers hold back enough to bottle separately, often resulting in spectacular wines.

If you’re a lover of big, bold reds, such as broad-shouldered Cabs or the bigger Petite Sirah or the rarer Tannat, you will find a wine to love with Petit Verdot. In addition to their signature big structure, Petit Verdot often will exhibit notes of ripe plum, blackberry, violet and dark chocolate and cocoa powder. It pairs well with braised or barbecued meats and spicy Latin American dishes.>>>Read entire article featuring Armstrong Family Cellars on the Tri-City Herald

Photo: Armstrong Family Winery sources its Petit Verdot from Dineen Vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills above the Yakima Valley. Courtesy Richard Duval