Westbrook Wine Farm
Sustainable farming, minimalist winemaking and friendly presentation by the persons whom grow the fr
49610 House Ranch Road
O'Neals, CA 93645
United States
(559) 868-3499
Gros Verdot is a red wine grape variety that is grown primarily in Bordeaux, France. The term 'Gros' means 'big' in French, while 'Verdot' refers to the green color the grape maintains even when mature. It's one of five varieties commonly used in Bordeaux blends.
This grape variety is known for its dark color and strong tannin profile, offering intense flavors of black fruits, along with spicy, herbal, and earthy notes. As such, it contributes additional structure, color, and acidity to wine blends.
The grape itself is late ripening, often harvested after Cabernet Sauvignon, which can be challenging in cooler climates. The berries are small, thick-skinned and deeply pigmented, typically resulting in wines of deep color and considerable tannic structure.
Outside of Bordeaux, this variety also grows in areas such as Spain, Italy, California, and Australia, but it's not as common as some other red wine varieties.
Despite its potential, Gros Verdot is less popular due to its vigorous growth, late-ripening, as well as the ensuing risks ranging from rot to frost. As a result, it is often used only in a small proportion in blends, unless the conditions and winemaking practices are perfect for this demanding variety.
