Deer Gentleman Syrah Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot, Wynne Hippis 0.75
Region: Struma River Valley
Varieties: Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon § Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot (“peh-tee vur-doe”) is a a full-bodied red wine that originates in southwestern France (in Bordeaux). It is highly desired as a blending grape in red Bordeaux blends because of its plentiful color, tannin and floral aromas of violet. Because Petit Verdot is such a bold wine, it is commonly added in less than 10% of most wine blends. The wine is also rarely produced as a single-varietal wine, however there are several producers making phenomenal Petit Verdot wines in regions within Australia, Chile, Spain, California and Washington State.
Petit Verdot translates close to “little green one” and this is most likely because this grape is a late-ripening, warm climate variety. In Bordeaux, it meant that the grapes were often not quite ready (e.g. a little green) when they had to be picked for harvest. Because of this, Petit Verdot was only used in blends in small amounts (usually only 1–2% of the Bordeaux Blend) to add tannin structure, color and herbaceous notes of violet and sage. In fact, much of the plantings in Bordeaux were uprooted in favor of the early-ripening varieties of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. However, when planted in Spain, Australia, California and other warm climate zones, the variety has since shown its true potential. And thus, you’re likely to find awesome examples coming from outside of Petit Verdot’s original homeland.
Deer Gentleman wine offers up ethereal aromas of plum, lilac, violet and sage with gravel-like minerality.
Deer Gentleman is a blend of Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is an elegant, powerful, complex gentleman that will gently warm you on autumn evenings.
Due to the natural high tannins and hardiness of Dear Gentleman, it pairs well with rich meats such as veal, lamb, spicy pork, steak, sausage, and gamier meats. More specifically, think about pairing this wine with dishes such as barbecue beef short ribs, lamb stew, Mexican adobo, and Chinese barbecue pork.
