Faux Petit Verdot is a grape variety that perfectly embodies the forgotten genetic richness of the Bordeaux vineyards. Long confused with its more famous counterpart, Petit Verdot, it nevertheless boasts its own history and unique characteristics. Recent discoveries—notably a vine found in Ambès and the identification of parcels in the Landes—have lifted the veil on this fascinating variety, revealing a direct lineage with the "true" Petit Verdot.

This past confusion is symptomatic of the ambiguity that once surrounded the identification and classification of grape varieties before the rigorous ampelographic work of the 20th century. Jean-Baptiste Duquesne's book, "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", highlights these periods when varietal naming often relied on local customs and approximations, leading to natural hybridisations and spontaneous crosses that shaped an exceptional biodiversity. Faux Petit Verdot thus represents an essential link in this Bordeaux genetic chain.

Less renowned than its eponymous cousin, it possesses ampelographic and oenological attributes that deserve to be rediscovered. By replanting it, Château Cazebonne is committed to exploring and highlighting these forgotten nuances, bringing a new dimension to traditional blends or innovative single-parcel cuvées.

Ampelographic Profile

Characteristic	Description
Budburst	Late, similar to its cousin Petit Verdot.
Vigour	Moderate.
Growth habit	Erect or semi-erect.
Bunches	Medium-sized, rather compact.
Berries	Small, with thick skins.
Downy mildew susceptibility	Variable, generally moderate.
Powdery mildew susceptibility	Variable, generally moderate.
Yields	Low to moderate, often irregular.
Aromatic profile	Black fruit aromas (blackcurrant, blackberry), spices, floral notes (violet), and occasionally a peppery character.
Winemaking potential	Brings deep colour, tannic structure, and aromatic complexity. Particularly valuable in blends for its capacity to enrich wines and impart good ageing potential, though it can also produce original single-parcel wines.

Faux Petit Verdot belongs to those lost or forgotten Bordeaux grape varieties that played a significant role in historical viticultural diversity. Its rediscovery and reintroduction reflect a growing desire to revitalise Bordeaux winegrowing by exploring less standardised expressions. It forms part of a broader approach towards restoring biodiversity within the Bordeaux vineyard and seeking solutions to adapt to climatic challenges, making it possible to craft original Bordeaux wines while celebrating the local ampelographic heritage.

At Château Cazebonne, we take pride in contributing to this viticultural revival. By replanting these lost varieties, such as Faux Petit Verdot, we bring an unsuspected palette of flavours back to life, enriching Bordeaux's viticultural heritage. This meticulous, passionate work is made possible thanks to the invaluable support of the many wine lovers who have embraced our wines and share our passion for rediscovering these rare treasures. To learn more about this fascinating history, please feel free to download the digital edition of the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" by clicking here. You may also be interested in the Gros Verdot grape variety, the Gros Cabernet grape variety, or Jurançon Noir, as well as the Pardotte or Petit Péjac varieties. If you would like to discover the Penouille grape variety, take part in our wine quizzes, and to explore the outcome of this approach and taste our cuvées crafted from these rediscovered varieties, we invite you to visit our online shop.