Petit Verdot vs Tannat
How to tell them apart in a blind tasting
The clearest separator between Petit Verdot and Tannat is alcohol: Petit Verdot is High while Tannat is Medium. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.
Petit VerdotTannat
Step 02
Petit Verdot vs Tannat
Compare structure side by side, then resolve the close-call with the right separator.
Primary separator
Petit Verdot leans very high tannin and dark floral-graphite profile; Tannat leans dark fruit with very firm tannin and black-tea grip.
Train this pair →Aroma Markers
Shared signature markers
- graphite
Petit Verdot more likely markers
- blackberry
- violet
Tannat more likely markers
- black plum
- cocoa
Decision Cues
Most useful separators
- Petit Verdot leans very high tannin and dark floral-graphite profile; Tannat leans dark fruit with very firm tannin and black-tea grip.
High-signal differences
- Alcohol: Petit Verdot slightly higher (High vs Medium).
Structure fingerprint
Petit VerdotTannat
Acidity
Medium(+)
Medium(+)
Tannin
High
High
Body
Full
Full
Alcohol
High
Medium
Color intensity
Deep
Deep
Aromatic intensity
Medium
Medium(+)
Reference context
Petit Verdot
Classic regions:
- Bordeaux
- California
- Castilla-La Mancha
- South Australia
Style examples:
- Bordeaux blend with Petit Verdot
- Varietal Petit Verdot
- Dense high-tannin blending component
Tannat
Classic regions:
- Canelones
- Madiran
- Paso Robles
- Salta
Style examples:
- High-tannin age-worthy southwest French red
- Riper full-bodied Uruguayan varietal red
Common questions
How do you tell Petit Verdot and Tannat apart in a blind tasting?
The clearest separator between Petit Verdot and Tannat is alcohol: Petit Verdot is High while Tannat is Medium. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.
Is Petit Verdot or Tannat higher in alcohol?
On the WSET ladder, Petit Verdot is High and Tannat is Medium for alcohol.
Are Petit Verdot and Tannat red or white?
Petit Verdot and Tannat are both red grape varieties.